A Total of 399 stock theft cases were reported from January to December 2023 and 365 during the same period of 2024 in the Omaheke region.
Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says stock theft is not just a crime, but a major setback that threatens the livelihood of farmers, the country’s economy, and food security in the community.
Speaking at a recent police week-long education campaign on anti-stock theft in the Omaheke region, Shikwambi said: “Thieves don’t just steal cattle, sheep or goats, but rob families of their income, food and future.”
In some cases, stock theft has led to violence through shootings or assaults and destruction of properties, she said, and called on the police and the public to strengthen ties and collectively fight against crime.
The law enforcement officers, she said, must be committed to preventing, investigating and ensuring effective prosecution of stock theft cases.
Shikwambi further encouraged farmers to develop good working relations with their workers so that in the event the workers fall out of favour or vacate the farm, they are not aggrieved so much that they return to cause damage.
“In most cases, the workers know the entire stock as well as the farmer’s movements, hence may take advantage. This was revealed through investigations of certain cases where suspects were previous workers,” she said.
She said some workers are conniving with criminals to loot farms, hence the need for farmers to get fully involved in the day-to-day activities of their workers.
“Sometimes you need to patrol with them, count your stock daily and please don’t employ herders without authentication, referral or identity of origin,” she warned.
She added that by taking proactive measures, reporting crimes, and working hand-in-hand, a safer and more secure environment for all stakeholders is created.
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