Stock theft statistics shocking in Sekhukhune
GA-NKOANA
A staggering 49 006 livestock were reported stolen in Sekhukhune in the 2023/2024 period, with cattle, sheep, and goats being the primary targets.
This alarming statistics were revealed during the Livestock Theft Awareness event, held on Thursday 11 September 2025 at Moses Mabotha Hall in Ga-Nkoana, Sekhukhune East Agro-Ecological Zone.
During the awareness, it was revealed that in the 2023/2024 period, the district municipality experienced theft of 13 427 cattle that were stolen, 22 845 stolen sheep and 13 094 stolen goats.
The Livestock Theft Awareness event aimed to introduce preventative measures and mechanisms to combat the skyrocketing stock theft in the Sekhukhune region.
Douw Pulser from the Red Meat Industry, said the estimated loss suffered by farmers in the Red Meat Industry Service is over one billion rands, a shocking figure highlighting the severity of the stock theft problem in the region.
During the presentation, Pulser emphasized the importance of preventative measures in combating stock theft, indicating that the brand mark is the first line of defence against stock theft, serving as a definitive method of ownership confirmation and deterrence.
He added that other protective measures include technological equipment with implemented microchips, GPS, sensors, and surveillance that can help track and recover stolen livestock.
Pulser indicated that property security is also essential in securing farms and properties and is also crucial in preventing stock theft.
He advised farmers to keep proper and accurate record keeping of their animals, adding that it can aid in identifying and recovering stolen livestock.
Pulser called for partnerships building between farmers and the police, stating that it is essential in combating stock theft.
