Stock theft has become another cause for concern around the areas of Sinthumule and Kutama, and especially cattle owners at Ha-Ramantsha have been bearing the brunt of late.
Local farmer Mr Mavhungu Mutheiwana of Ha-Ramantsha complained that his lofty ambitions to become a top stock farmer had been dealt a severe blow by thieves who seemed hell-bent on frustrating him by stealing and mutilating his beasts.
Since 5 February this year, three of his own cattle, as well as 15 belonging to other residents, had been stolen in a grazing field at Ha-Ramantsha. Mutheiwana had left his cattle grazing in the bush, but later found that they were missing.
He has been searching for his stolen cattle without success. "We used to hear of people losing their stock to thieves, but what is happening to me is something that I cannot live with. I worked very hard to be where I am. I started with only one cow, and see where I am today. But somebody is busy destroying my vision," he said, visibly distraught.
Farming has run in Mutheiwana's family for many years. He said he was just trying to carry on the family tradition. "I love farming, but with the spate of thefts and these mutilations going on, one could be forced out of the trade. I am thinking of relocating and leaving farming completely. We have reported this to the local traditional leader and the police. We are just waiting for a response from him [village chief] and then we will reconsider our stay at the village," he said.
Mutheiwana said he would not rest until the culprits were apprehended and faced the full might of the law. "They will definitely have to pay for this. It took me many years to rear my cattle, and these people just came and took them in five minutes. They must know that their days are numbered. Finish and klaar!"
Ms Mamosema Maepane, another victim of stock theft, agreed that stock theft was becoming more and more of a problem in the Sinthumule and Kutama area. "We as farmers need to upgrade our security. People are no longer stealing because they want to eat. Stock theft has now become a business - people no longer steal only one cow."
As a result of the increasing number of cases reported, the Limpopo police are appealing to the herders to be vigilant at all times. Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed that they had had an increase in complaints about stock theft in Limpopo.
He said that thieves usually targeted the animals at night in grazing lands while they roamed about unattended. Cattle owners are urged to ensure their cattle are safely in their kraal at night, as this is the time stock thieves usually hit. He warned those who buy stolen livestock that they are committing a crime and reminded them that they can get arrested for it.