SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Stock Theft Unit is urging livestock owners to be aware of the newest modus operandi of the stock thief syndicates.
According to KZN SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, criminals were now targeting livestock owners who had already fallen prey to stock thieves.
“They pretend to be police officers from the Stock Theft Unit, and inform the victim that their livestock was recovered in another province. They then request the victims to deposit money into their accounts, to ensure their livestock could be transported back home,” he said.
The brazen criminals allegedly demand an amount of R2 000 or more.
The SAPS have warned the members of the community to be aware of such deception.
“Please take note that there is no investigating officer who will ask for money. Stock Theft Investigators will in fact assist victims and would take them, using a state vehicle, to view recovered livestock.”
Criminals have already targeted victims of stock theft in Bulwer, Impendle, Bergville and other rural areas.
All the victims of stock theft were advised to contact their investigating officers as soon as they had opened a stock theft case.
Anyone contacted by these criminals, were advised to immediately contact the nearest police station or their investigating officer.
“Familiarise yourselves with the detectives investigating your case to avoid falling prey to these fraudsters,” Mbhele concluded.
Avoid becoming a victim of stock theft:
– Livestock-owners should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect their livestock.
– A specially trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling. He can see to it that holes in ad under fences are repaired.
– Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times.
– If you consider buying an additional farm, remember, “absentee landlords gather no crops”.Rather try an buy close to your residential farm.
– Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS.
– Livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner, at least once a week.
– Livestock-owners should at all times report all livestock theft cases on their property immediately. The longer you delay, the less the possibility of achieving success
– It often happens that stock theft cases have to be withdrawn due to lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Show interest in solved cases and attend all court cases.
– Cooperate with the local SAPS and Stock Theft Unit, and not against them. Support them in their efforts to help you.
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