Bronkhorstspruit Police warn about rise in stock theft
“The community is therefore encouraged to form structures and come up with communication systems to reach each other easily and effectively.”
Following a sudden rise in stock theft, the Bronkhorstspruit Police warned farmers to be extra vigilant.
According to the police, the Rooipoort-, Vaalbank- and Witfontein areas are the most affected, which fall under sector 3 and sector 4, which comprise farms and smallholdings.
An estimated 16 cases have been opened during the last three months.
“We began to experience an increase in stock theft cases since June,” said Const Cathrine Ramovha, communication officer at the Bronkhorstspruit Police.
In one such case, the complainant left his premises on Thursday evening, August 11 and everything was still in order.
The next morning, at around 08:15, his worker told him that some of his goats were stolen.
The farmer then went out to check the property’s fence.
He found that the fence was indeed cut to gain entry.
Seven sheep and three goats were stolen which amounts to damage of around R21 000.
“The community is therefore encouraged to form structures and come up with communication systems to reach each other easily and effectively.
“Some areas are very remote and are known to have poor cellphone reception,” said Const Ramovha.
According to the police, these crimes tend to happen during the night on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Stockowners are further advised to brand their livestock, especially cows, goats and sheep.
These are the most targeted animals in the named areas.
The police also mentioned that animals are either slaughtered on the scene or taken.
The Bronkhorstspruit Police appointed sector managers to assist the farmers.
Sgt Manyaku Makwarela (Sector 4) and Const Sibongile Nofihla (Sector 3) can be contacted on 071 675 6202 to report any suspicious activities within the sectors.
