By Montsho Matlala
Although the murder rate in Limpopo has decreased, stock theft remains a significant concern. In the fourth quarter, there were reports of 2 946 cattle, 463 sheep and 2 078 goats stolen.
Limpopo has experienced a 26% year-on-year decrease in murder cases during the fourth quarter (January 2025 to March 2025) of the 2024/25 financial year, although stock theft remains a significant concern.
According to police crime statistics for the period, released by Lieutenant General Thembi Radebe in Polokwane, there were 179 reported murders from January to March 2025, with only one incident linked to livestock theft. This case involved the killing of a man by three suspects who accused him of stealing their cattle. The incident occurred in a secluded area near Punda Maria Road, next to Ximixoni Village. Lieutenant General Radebe noted that 27 of the murders were associated with mob justice, especially in areas like Seshego, Thohoyandou and Westernberg. She cautioned that vigilantism is a crime and those involved will face severe legal consequences.
Despite the decrease in murder cases, farmers are still worried about the recovery rate of stolen livestock and have urged the police to enhance their efforts. While the reduction in murder cases is positive, farmers, including subsistence farmers, lost over 5 000 animals to theft during this time. The police advise farmers to brand and tattoo their livestock as a preventive measure.
Letting livestock graze on communal land remains common in many rural areas of Limpopo, with only a handful of farmers able to purchase or lease private farms. These farmers often face challenges related to livestock theft, frequently losing animals to thieves on almost a monthly basis.
African Farming has called on the police to provide information on livestock theft incidents during the specified period, following complaints from livestock owners. According to police reports, 2 946 cattle were stolen, with only 306 recovered during the fourth quarter. Additionally, 463 sheep were stolen, with 112 recovered. 2,078 goats were stolen, with 378 recovered. 78 horses and donkeys were stolen, with 10 recovered. The report also noted that one pig was stolen, but two were recovered, along with 17 of 7 stolen poultry. Cattle and goats were the most frequently recovered animals.
Police have reported that thieves often use firearms to forcibly take livestock from their owners. “Farmers should secure their livestock, keep them in enclosures every evening, brand and tattoo them, and report any theft incidents immediately. And do not hire undocumented individuals to care for your animals,” Radebe advised.
Jerry Sefoloshe, chairperson of the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) in Limpopo, said farmers are somewhat satisfied with police patrols around farms, which aim to deter potential thieves. However, he expressed concerns about both documented and undocumented individuals trespassing on farms during the day and night. Farmers experience theft not only of livestock but also of tools, electric cables, solar panels, transformers, and copper materials. Some thieves even dismantle parts from tractors, water pumps and other machinery, while others harvest crops at night. Sefoloshe has called for improved border security to prevent undocumented individuals from returning to farms after being captured and deported.
Thabo Magana, a communal livestock farmer in Moutse East near Groblersdal, stated the government should assist farmers by providing them with land, fencing and access to water resources. “Traveling long distances to find grazing and water exposes animals to dangers like theft,” Magana lamented.
