Sekhukhune farmers lose R1b due to stock theft

Stock Theft Prevention Task Team in the OR Tambo District recovered stolen sheep in Mthatha and Bityi areas during operations conducted from Wednesday, 03/09 until Thursday, 04/09.

Communal farmers in the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo have lost more than R1 billion due to stock theft, according to the Red Meat Industry.

The industry says more than 49 000 livestock, such as cattle, goats and sheep, were stolen from the area between 2023 and 2024.

Farmers and the Agriculture Department held a workshop in the Sekhukhune district to create awareness on the importance of branding livestock.

“We’ve got a high rate of stock theft in this area, so we are unable to issue permits if the animals are not brand-marked. Communal farmers did not realise the importance of brand marking their animals,” says the department’s technician, Patrick Maibelo.

#sapsHINT #StockTheft prevention. If you own livestock, it is compulsory that you use an identification mark. You must apply for a registered identification mark. This can help identify the owner in case of stock theft. #RuralSafety ME pic.twitter.com/aMD0H6lhsC

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 13, 2025

Maibelo says it is also not easy for police to investigate, as the thieves use their own brand marks if they steal animals that are not properly brand-marked.

[WATCH]
Stock theft operations in Verena, Mpumalanga, led by Acting Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, are showing results. Several unbranded cattle identified and fines announced for unbranded livestock. pic.twitter.com/XopGYQvetZ

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 2, 2025