A resident of Blinkpan, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as ‘unbearable’, saying homeowners are being denied their right to feel safe and secure in their own yards.

According to the resident, cattle once again entered her property recently, causing extensive damage. A wooden hedge in her serenity garden was broken, damaging a memorial rose planted in honour of her late mother. Several conifer trees were also destroyed, and her entire corn crop was wiped out.

“This has happened repeatedly,” she said. “I am officially at my wit’s end and begging for assistance.”

Damage spanning several years

The resident explained that the problem has persisted for years. Two years ago, cattle reportedly forced open a back gate by pushing it completely off its hinges in order to reach the corn crop, leaving the gate beyond repair.

Similar incidents occurred again last year, with cattle destroying large parts of the yard and consuming the entire crop.

Multiple attempts to resolve the matter directly with the cattle owner have, according to the resident, been unsuccessful, “When I raised the issue, I was laughed at,” she said. “I was asked why my gate was not closed, even though the cattle had already broken it previously. Talking to the owner does not help.”

Health risks escalate amid disease outbreak

Beyond property damage, residents say the roaming cattle pose increasing health and safety risks. Persistent flies, strong odours and what residents describe as ‘intimidation’ when complaints are raised have become part of daily life.

However, residents say the most pressing concern is the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the area, which has heightened fears around uncontrolled livestock movement in residential areas.

“Cattle are moving freely between properties, open land, and public spaces,” the resident said. “There is no monitoring, no containment, and no reassurance for residents living alongside this.”

Land ownership and enforcement under scrutiny

The land on which the cattle are kept reportedly belongs to Black Royal Minerals (BRM Mine).
Residents say they were informed that enforcement measures, including fines issued by authorities, would help curb the roaming of cattle in the residential area. Despite inspections and assurances, residents claim the situation has not improved.

“You are saying fines will be issued, but nothing has been done correctly,” the resident said. “The cattle are still roaming freely.”

Officials have indicated that they inspected the area together with Civil Services and confirmed that fines were issued for animals roaming in Blinkpan.

Residents, however, maintain that cattle continue to move through residential properties unchecked.

Calls for urgent intervention

Residents are now calling for consistent safety enforcement, clear accountability and urgent intervention to prevent further damage and address the potential health risks posed by roaming livestock. “I have the right, as a property owner, to feel safe and comfortable in my own yard,” the resident said. “I should not be threatened or laughed at while my property is repeatedly destroyed.”

It is undeniable and simply a matter of time until concerns escalate into an irreversible disaster in Blinkpan.

DA councillor Stefan Smith confirmed that multiple complaints regarding the situation in Blinkpan have been received. He referred the matter to the Directorate of Community Services at Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

The Middelburg Observer attempted to obtain comment from Dr Lizzy Tshabalala, but she could not be reached at the time of publication.

Municipal spokesperson Lerato Kgomo, has assured that the complaints and official inquiry has been submitted to relevant departments, and that feedback will be supplied to residents as soon as possible.