eMbalenhle farmers raise concerns over stock theft
Cattle owners want to know where all the shisanyama outlets get their meat.
eMBALENHLE – Farmers raised concerns over a possible link between the rapid increase of shisanyama (braai meat outlets) and ongoing stock theft in the area.
The concerns were presented to the eMbalenhle Police Station’s commander, Colonel Khuselwa Matrose, during a meeting held on April 17 at the police station.
This follows a disturbing discovery on April 4, when farmers found the carcasses of approximately a dozen cattle at an unused kraal on a farm near the demolished Sasol mining shaft in Extension 22.
The remains were initially spotted by a community member who had gone to the area to pray, and who then alerted local farmers.
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The matter was subsequently reported to the police. During the meeting, farmers expressed frustration, stating that they are losing livestock almost daily.
They questioned the source of meat sold at the growing number of shisanyama outlets across the township.
“Our station commander and the police need to help us in establishing why our cattle are being stolen and slaughtered in the veld,” said one of the farmers.
“We suspect the mushrooming of shisanyama outlets in our township. There is one on almost every corner.
“Where are they sourcing the meat they sell to customers daily? We are appealing to the police to investigate whether these outlets have the required certification for the meat they sell.”
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Farmers further proposed a joint operation involving the police and other relevant government institutions to inspect the outlets and verify compliance with food safety and sourcing regulations.
Colonel Matrose acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and frustrations.
She urged them to work closely with the police in combating stock theft and assured them that the police remain open to community-driven solutions.
Only one day after the first incident, more slaughtered cattle carcasses were found in the veld near Bracken under the tree.
