Cattle farmers around the Tshitale area in Vhembe fear that a syndicate is at work after 10 cattle were slaughtered on August 10. They have noted a concerning increase in stock theft and say ‘no arrests are ever made’ when they open cases with the police.

Farmers told Polokwane Review that 10 cattle were discovered slaughtered in a mealie field in Tshivhangani. They suspect the slaughter took place on the night of August 9.

Edward Mulaudzi lost five heads of cattle.

“When we report these cases, the police don’t act fast, and the perpetrators are never arrested,” says Mulaudzi.

Another farmer, Hangwani Rambau, says police come and take statements but never give any feedback on cases.

“If things continue this way, we will be forced to stay in the bushes day and night and things may turn ugly,” Rambau says.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says they are aware of the stock theft issue in the Vhembe area.

“We are trying our level best to apprehend the suspects, but we do have challenges. Owners leave their cattle in this area overnight, and we have asked owners to brand their animals. In this way, we can identify the animals when we locate them,” says Ledwaba.

Police have urged cattle farmers to employ people to look after their livestock.