The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane on Saturday commended the policing committee members for their collaboration in combating stock theft.
This occurred at a public gathering held at Lebakeng, Ha Molomo by the Qacha’s Nek Police in association with relevant stakeholders.
The event consisting of local members and others from as far as Qabane, Mantšonyane, Thaba-Tseka and Matatiele was intended to revive and empower the Rea Ipolesa Lebakeng policing committee to unite in ending stock theft.
Mr. Matekane said he knows the stock theft challenge and hence commended the committee’s approach to curb it.
“Basotho depend on livestock for their living therefore stealing their animals kills them. Killing does not only mean shooting or taking a knife but hurting them does too,” he said, encouraging them to work hard to save the public from the ordeal.
He added, “We have won the battle against stock theft, especially now that you have come together in such huge numbers that I witnessed today.”
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mr. Lebona Lephema expressed happiness to be part of the meeting.
He told attendees that they will work to ensure that microchip implantation technology which was launched in 2023 will be there.
“We are waiting for the enactment of laws for its implementation. We will indeed end the rampant stock theft that impoverished rural farmers in Lesotho for decades,” he said.
The Qacha’s Nek Police Commander, Superintendent Thembinkose Sibanda revealed the importance of knowing each other and working together to win the battle against stock theft.
He urged participants to give them tip-offs to assist in recovering stolen animals and be prepared to testify in court should need be.
“We have to work together, abiding by both countries’ laws. Mark your animals,” he said.
Inspector Toeba Motšoane from the Stock Theft Detection Unit (STDU) appealed to farmers to educate herdboys at cattle posts to alert relevant stakeholders when they see stolen animals.
He further encouraged attendees to make passports so as not to miss this continuous meeting held either locally or in South Africa.
Matatiele Policing Committee Chairman, Mr. Sekhonyana Makapi pledged their unwavering support in this regard, calling on chiefs to join the committee.
He requested chiefs to regularly hold public gatherings to teach villagers about the importance of policing their areas.
He said going forward, they will establish strategies on how to best address this problem.
Central Court President, Mrs. Masupha Makhaola urged villagers to report any activity that might lead to mob justice to the police or else such a villager will be held responsible for any human rights violation.
Public Prosecutor Advocate Tsotang Maile revealed that in 2022, they had nine cases of stock theft and illegal possession of animals and of these five were sentenced.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, Chief Seapa Phatela of Tebellong congratulated farmers for their unity.
He said he was happy to have joined forces with South Africans and they came in huge numbers.
Reports show that livestock theft reduces farmers’ consumption of both the returns on milk and wool, meat and hides.
Without money raised through sales of the products, the farmers are unable to survive.
A 2016 study shows that stock raiding has major negative impacts on households, communities and cross-border interaction. It says the impact extends to the broader national economy.
Source: LENA 13/04/2024
