Durban: As the festive season approaches, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, has issued a stern warning against stock theft, particularly cattle theft, a crime that has been increasingly prevalent in the province.
According to South African Police Service, there has been a notable rise in incidents where stolen cattle are slaughtered and sold at street corners, taxi ranks, and other accessible spots, often to unsuspecting buyers. To combat this, the police have intensified their efforts through the Safer Festive Season Operations and Operation Shanela. Specialized stock theft units have been deployed to track down and apprehend those involved in cattle and other livestock thefts. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that both the sellers and buyers of meat from stolen cattle would face stringent legal consequences. He urged residents to buy meat only from credible retailers to avoid inadvertently supporting illegal activities.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi further highlighted the intelligence reports about a stock theft syndicate operating in the region. In response, police teams have been deployed to the identified areas, and they have been instructed to show no leniency towards individuals involved in this illicit trade. The police aim to end the trend of cattle theft and slaughter through strict enforcement.
To address stock theft and its impact on rural safety comprehensively, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi will lead discussions at the Rural Safety Summit, scheduled to be held at the Cecil Emmet Hall in Vryheid from November 16-17, 2023. The summit will bring together farmers, farm workers, dwellers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on stock theft and other social issues affecting rural communities’ safety.
The KwaZulu-Natal Police are calling on residents to report any suspicions of stolen meat being sold. Information can be relayed to the nearest police station, through the crime stop number 08600 10111, or via the MYSAPS App.