Farmers in areas bordering Lesotho lost almost 50 000 animals to stock thieves in the year up to September 30, 2001 — the latest date for which figures are available — says Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula.
In written reply to a question in the National Assembly, he said 8 204 cases of stock theft were reported in the five distinct areas bordering the mountain kingdom.
Thieves clearly have a preference for sheep and goats, making off with 28 301 of these animals.
Cattle were the second favourite stock of choice, with rustlers helping themselves to 15 752, while less ambitious felons settled for 2 496 chickens and other poultry.
Ostriches proved less popular — only 53 were reported stolen — as did game (117) and pigs (270).
A total of 952 horses, donkeys and mules were also spirited away.
Nqakula said although the farms actually situated on the Lesotho border ”bear the brunt of the criminal activities”, the presence of security services members deployed there had ”considerably reduced the incidence of cross-border crime”.
Also, there was good co-operation between the South African Police Service, especially the stock theft units, and the Lesotho police, he said. – Sapa