Private Investigators Combat Livestock Theft in Free State Agriculture

Free State Agriculture (FL) is taking a stand against livestock theft to protect farming communities and the agricultural sector.

To combat this rampant crime, private investigators will be deployed in multiple towns in the northern parts of the province. Their objective is to support farmers and assist the police in investigating livestock theft cases as reported by RNews.

Jakkals le Roux, chairman of FSA’s rural safety committee, expresses concern about the devastating impact of livestock theft on Free State communities. He attributes the problem to the police’s inadequate resources and inability to effectively combat this type of crime.

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Dr Jane Buys, FSA security risk analyst, reveals that livestock theft amounts to billions of rand annually, with many stolen animals being taken to outlets in Gauteng. However, the number of reported incidents has decreased due to flaws in the police’s investigation process and limited success in prosecution.

Over the past decade, FSA has closely monitored livestock theft statistics and discovered that 80% of previously identified high-crime towns in the Free State still suffer from high levels of livestock theft. This alarming trend indicates a lack of an effective strategy to address the problem.

Buys further highlights a significant decline in official reports of livestock theft in recent years. This decrease is not reflective of a reduction in theft incidents but rather a growing lack of confidence among farmers in the police’s ability to investigate and resolve these cases. Farmers often face delayed responses from detectives, leading to the loss of crucial evidence and little to no feedback on their reported matters.

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Recognising the urgent need for action, VL, in collaboration with the LGV security company, has allocated R1 million to establish a private investigation team. This initiative aims to support farmers and assist the police in tackling livestock theft cases.

Initially, private investigators will operate in eight of the 18 high-crime towns in the Fezile Dabi district, including Heilbron, Mafube, Villiers, Cornelia, Kroonstad, Steynsrus, Parys, and the Sasolburg district. Trained investigators, equipped with reflective vests and crime kits will promptly respond to crime scenes, ensuring the preservation of evidence. They will gather statements from complainants and witnesses to provide to the police.

Peet Swanepoel, the provincial coordinator, manages the team from Parys, acting as a central point for operations. Private investigators collaborate closely with police detectives, aiding in the search for stolen livestock and assisting with any challenges encountered during investigations.

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For private investigators to offer their services, complainants, farmers, or owners need to file an official case with the police, providing an official case number. Additionally, branded or tattooed identification on livestock is crucial to determine ownership.

Significant progress has already been made, with investigators identifying suspected livestock thieves and tracing the outlets they use in Randfontein and Krugersdorp. These cases are being actively investigated in cooperation with the police.

The private investigator services are free to full VL members, while non-members can access them for a predetermined fee. Individuals seeking assistance with theft-related matters can contact Peet Swanepoel at 066 407 7899.

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Photo: Facebook / @Livestock Theft SA