Farmers encouraged to use stock theft helpline
To better assess the enormous impact of livestock theft, see trends and gather information to combat it. According to Dr Jane Buys, Safety and Risk Analyst at Free State Agriculture (FSA), these are some of the reasons why a stock theft helpline was started in the Free State.
“Crime statistics show that between 67% and 80% of stock theft is not reported,” she says.
The helpline, launched by FSA and the Red Meat Producers Organization (RPO) – in collaboration with the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) in the province – will among other things help to make statements and monitor investigations. It has been in operation since 1 February 2019 and plays a supporting role to the South African Police Service (SAPS), within the Rural Safety Strategy, to act proactively. The SAPS in the Free State has also given its official support for the initiative.
Correct figures important
According to a FSA impact study of commercial agriculture crimes in 2017, livestock losses in the Free State were between about R1 and R3 billion a year.
Agri SA’s National Agricultural Sector Crime Survey, conducted by the Bureau of Market Research at UNISA, determined the Free State and Northern Cape were the provinces that suffered the most from stock theft in 2017. There were approximately 26 175 incidents just in the Free State. Stock theft is the leading agricultural crime in the province and a commercial farmer experiences about eight incidents every year.
Johann Stadler, Chairman of the Free State RPO’s Stock Theft Prevention Forum, says an annual FSA audit of the Rural Safety Plan pointed out problems with stock theft reporting. Of these are language and communication when making A1 statements at some police stations.
“The helpline will assist to get the correct statements so that it is understandable and readable to everyone in order for the investigation to run smoothly from the start within the criminal justice system,” he says. “It will also assist farmers for example on how to preserve the crime scene.”
“One cannot effectively address and combat stock theft if you do not have the right numbers and circumstances,” Buys says. According to her, it is also important in launching prevention operations and passing on the correct information to the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority.
She also believes the helpline will improve farmers’ involvement in combating and there can rather largely be focused on prevention.
How does it work?
The helpline is run by Mientjie Kok, a data analyst and former police officer. She will assist farmers in making statements and answer questions about the process.
According to Buys, statements will be sent back to the complainant via email to confirm the facts and then signed in the presence of SAPS.
The idea is to extend the helpline, which is currently undergoing a three-month trial period, to a 24-hour centre to assist farmers especially over weekends. “We want to encourage farmers to use the helpline so that livestock theft can be combatted effectively,” Buys says.
Contact details
Helpline number: 086 199 9300 (available from 08:00 – 13:00; seven days a week).
WhatsApp number to send information to: 079 524 5040 (only for WhatsApp). If the helpline number is occupied, a farmer can send a WhatsApp message with his or her contact details (name, surname, farm name, telephone number and photo of branding certificate).
Otherwise, a voicemail or email with contact details can be left. The email address is vee@vslandbou.co.za
Advice on Preventing Stock Theft
As part of preventative measures, the police would like to urge livestock owners and farmers to take extra care of their livestock. They are advised to apply the following safety tips:
· Ensure that their livestock is correctly brand marked in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002.
· Check fences and gates regularly and maintain them to protect stock.
· If possible, appoint a trained workers to patrol the fences daily.
. Always lock up loading ramps in camps or places on the farm where there is no direct supervision, or see to it that they are out of sight.
· Ensure that stolen stock cannot be hidden on your farm. If you notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, report it to the SAPS immediately.
· Personally count your stock at least once a week.
· If your farm is on the country’s borders, do not get involved in illegal deals with citizens of neighbouring countries.
· Know your neighbours, if you are going on leave or taking a trip leave your phone numbers to your neighbours so that they can report of any irregular things happening at your farm.
