A joint law-enforcement operation at Ongeluksnek in the Eastern Cape from 20 to 21 January 2026 resulted in the impoundment of 367 cattle found grazing illegally in restricted and environmentally sensitive areas.

By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming 

The operation was conducted by 10 South African Infantry Battalion (Alpha Company, Platoon 2), deployed under Joint Tactical Headquarters Eastern Cape, in collaboration with the Maluti SAPS Mounted Unit and the Ongeluksnek Field Rangers. The intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce grazing regulations, curb cross-border livestock movement and protect natural resources.

The impounded cattle are estimated to be worth R3.67 million, and fines were issued in line with applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks. Authorities said the operation reflected strong inter-agency cooperation, combining military capacity, law-enforcement authority and local environmental knowledge.

Illegal grazing continues to pose a serious challenge in the region, contributing to land degradation, environmental damage and growing disputes over land use. Authorities have repeatedly warned that uncontrolled livestock movement also presents a significant biosecurity risk, particularly in the context of animal disease management.

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Biosecurity Risks Remain a Concern

Dr Jane Buys, safety risk analyst at Free State Agriculture, said that although the organisation was not directly aware of this specific operation, it maintains ongoing engagement with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) through Border Safeguarding Forum meetings held at the battalion headquarters in Ladybrand.

“We are in constant communication with the SANDF and continuously provide information on hotspot areas related to illegal grazing and crimes affecting farms and farming communities along the border. This allows the SANDF, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), to plan and execute focused operations,” said Buys.

She stressed that close communication between farming communities and soldiers on the ground is critical to the success of these operations. “The aim is twofold: To recover stolen livestock or animals grazing illegally within South Africa, and to arrest those responsible for moving these animals onto farms in the border areas.”

Buys warned that illegal grazing represents a major biosecurity threat across the Free State, not only in border zones. She noted that municipal pounds are legally required to have quarantine facilities where impounded animals can be examined by veterinarians for transmittable diseases.

“The Department of Agriculture is mandated to establish quarantine pounds in all 13 border towns, but this has not been implemented for decades,” she said. Buys added that Lesotho currently maintains a ban on the importation of animals from South Africa, and that while there appears to be no foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) threat in Lesotho at present, South Africa continues to manage outbreaks.

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Coordination Key to Rural Safety

Buys said the SANDF forms part of the Priority Committee monthly meetings overseeing the implementation of the National Rural Safety Strategy (NRSS). In addition, Border Safeguarding JOCOM meetings take place every two weeks and include farmers, SAPS, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and other key stakeholders.

“The SANDF’s support is particularly critical within the 10km border zone to assist law enforcement, veterinarians and farming communities in managing illegal grazing and disease risks,” she said. However, she cautioned that limited numbers of veterinarians and Stock Theft Unit detectives remain a significant constraint in the border areas.