By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) has reported a disturbing rise in stock theft, with an estimated E6,520,420.00 worth of livestock stolen between April and June 2024.
The total number of livestock stolen includes 582 cattle and 743 goats. Despite intensified efforts, only E1,476,300.00 worth of livestock has been recovered which has been said to highlight the challenges faced in combating this growing crime.
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According to the Performance Report on Recurrent and Capital Expenditure as Well As Other Allied Police Administrative and Operational Activities for the period 1st April to 30th June 2024, the recovered livestock included cattle worth E1,424,900.00 and goats worth E51,400.00.
The report emphasized that stock theft remains a severe challenge, with well-organized syndicates operating across borders.
The issue has garnered international attention, with INTERPOL recognizing stock theft as a serious crime afflicting not only Eswatini but the broader Southern African region.
In response, REPS has rolled out several special interventions to mitigate the issue.
These interventions include outreach programs to farmers, particularly during dipping days, urging vigilance and the deployment of Task Forces in hotspot areas.
Farmers are being advised to equip their livestock with cowbells to detect any disturbances during the night and to avoid leaving livestock unguarded in grazing lands.
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Additionally, building stronger kraals, patrolling routes used by rustlers with police assistance, and constructing communal kraals for collective nighttime security have been recommended.
REPS has further encouraged the use of technological devices such as drones and microchips to track and identify livestock which is aimed to strengthen the fight against stock theft.
According to other reports, stock theft remains a significant issue in Southern Africa, with Eswatini and its neighbours like South Africa, Lesotho, and Botswana increasingly raising concerns.
In Eswatini, rural communities have reported a rise in cattle theft which has threatened livelihoods and causing economic strain.
Similarly, South Africa has seen a surge in livestock theft, particularly in provinces bordering Eswatini, prompting joint security efforts.
Lesotho has also highlighted cross-border cattle rustling as a major concern, impacting its agricultural sector.
The growing trend has led to regional collaboration to strengthen border security and implement stricter penalties for perpetrators.
