Livestock owners warned of scam

Livetock theft remains a problem in the province, with thieves now posing as police officers from the stock theft unit of another province.

Police spokesman, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the criminals inform the victim that their livestock has been recovered in another province, adding that they need to pay for the animals to be transported back home.

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“They are demanding sums from R2 000 upwards. We are cautioning owners not to fall prey to this scam. Please be aware that police will never request cash from a victim.”

He said stock theft investigators will assist victims and take them to view the recovered livestock. Criminals are targeting victims who are close to the borders in areas such as Bulwer, Impendle and Bergville in particular.

“All victims of stock theft are advised to make contact with their investigating officers as soon as they have opened a stock theft case. If they have been contacted by these criminals, they are urged to immediately contact their nearest police station or their investigating officer”.

He encouraged livestock farmers to familiarise themselves with the detectives investigating their cases, and if they are contacted by the fraudsters, to record the name, surname and contact details of the person who called, as well as the date and time of the call, the address where the livestock can reportedly be viewed, the account holder’s name and account number into which the money should be paid and any other relevant information such as an email address to which confirmation of payment should be sent.

“When receiving such calls or text messages, please ask the caller for the brand mark of your recovered livestock as well as their contact details and then contact the KZN stock theft unit immediately,” said Col Mbele. 

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