About 100 stakeholders met in Sithembile this week to strengthen cooperation and find ways to combat stock theft in Endumeni.

Hosted by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, together with Glencoe, Dundee and Wasbank SAPS, the meeting focused on establishing an Endumeni Stock Theft Forum to improve information sharing and coordinate efforts between police, farmers and community structures.

Better reporting and livestock records

Captain Geldenhuys of the Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) office highlighted the importance of properly marking livestock and ensuring animals are transported with the required documentation.

Dundee was reported to have the highest number of stock theft cases among the three policing precincts, followed by Wasbank, while Glencoe recorded comparatively fewer cases.

Stakeholders also raised concerns about ineffective cattle watchmen, neglected livestock found along roads and the slaughtering of cattle.

The meeting also stressed that suspected stock thieves should be dealt with through the law, with stakeholders warned against vigilantism.

Participants called for the National Prosecuting Authority and Endumeni Local Municipality to join future engagements to strengthen the response to stock theft.

The meeting was attended by representatives from SAPS, Community Policing Forums, the KZN Community Crime Prevention Association, farmers, DCSL and community organisations.

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