29 May 2023
by Joanie Bergh
The Eastern Cape settlement of Katkop, between Mount Fletcher and Maclear, has been continuously plagued by cattle thieves for the past week, who have stolen cattle, goats and sheep.
Members of the Maluti Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in collaboration with authorities were, however, successful in tracking down a total of 63 livestock in this area in the north-east of the Eastern Cape, south of the Lesotho border.
During the first incident, which took place on Saturday morning around 9:00, members worked together across district boundaries to follow up on information after cattle were stolen from Manxeleni, a town in the Katkop area.
Upon their arrival, the suspect fled on foot and a total of eight cattle without brands were recovered.
During the early hours of Sunday morning, members carried out two intelligence-driven operations and seized 32 goats in Gwadana, south of Mount Frere, and 23 sheep at Sithaleni, near Katkop.
The suspects who were transporting the sheep have fled.
All the livestock are being kept at the Mount Fletcher municipal impoundment while attempts are made to track down the owners of the livestock without brands.
Those who can assist in identifying the livestock can contact the Maluti Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit at 072 580 2496.
Preventive measures
Livestock owners are reminded to take heed of the following important information:
- Regularly count your livestock.
- Report livestock theft cases immediately.
- Keep a controlled stock register.
- Mark your livestock accordingly.
- Keep your fences in a proper condition.
