GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING: Livestock theft a growing concern

Farmers expect livestock theft and slaughter to rise as the festive season approaches.

September 28, 2016

Robinson Nqola 1 minute read

The massive theft and slaughter of livestock in Pretoria North is becoming an increasing worry as no arrests have yet been made.

Over 1 000 sheep and goats have been stolen in Grootvlei in recent months, farmers said.

An anticipated surge in the stealing and slaughtering of livestock had farmers deeply worried.

“It has been quiet but we know it is going to rise as the festive season is fast approaching,” said a farmer, who asked not to be named.

Last week Monday, a cow belonging to one of the farmers in that area was slaughtered and its carcass was dumped in the bushes.

He said criminals tended to kill livestock on the spot, taking only the meat cuts they wanted.

“The rest of the carcass was left behind. They prefer this to the risk of getting caught and being charged with stock theft.”

The farmer said there had been no other cases of theft or slaughter because of increased visibility.

“We are visible and patrolling as much as we can but farmers must also protect their own livestock.”

The farmer said the criminals used wire traps to catch the livestock.

He said police were investigating, but farmers would continue to work with the local CPF to maximise the security of their livestock.

The SPCA said it was not aware of a growing trend around livestock slaughter in the area but said it would look into the matter.

“If there are reports, we are definitely going to investigate,” said SPCA spokesperson Korky Levanon.

Police were not immediately available for comment.