DCSTM Equips Traffic Officers to tackle rising stock theft in the North West.
With the alarming growing number of livestock related crimes in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management through the Crime Prevention Partnership Directorate hosted a Safe and Legal Livestock Transportation Workshop aimed at intensifying law enforcement responses to stock theft and animal cruelty.
Provincial and district traffic officers came together for specialised training designed to sharpen their ability to detect illegal livestock transportation and intervene effectively on rural routes commonly used by offenders. The workshop forms part of broader provincial efforts to assist Police in curbing stock theft which continues to place economic pressure on farmers and rural communities.
The training session was facilitated by Stock Theft Unit Commanders from South African Police Service (SAPS) Captain Deon Kotze and Colonel Fana Gaborone who head Stock Theft Units in Pudimoe and Vryburg respectively. Drawing on operational experience, the officers guided participants through practical methods used by criminals to move stolen livestock across districts and provinces including the use of falsified permits, altered branding marks and unconventional transport methods. Beyond criminal activity, the workshop also addressed the issue of animal welfare in rural areas.
Speaking during the workshop, Deputy Director of Crime Prevention Partnership , Ms Mpho Ntshoe emphasised the importance of continuous training for enforcement officials as regulations evolve. “With policies constantly being amended, it is critical that we continuously equip ourselves with the latest knowledge. As traffic officials, we must act decisively in combating stock theft while at the same time ensuring the safety and humane treatment of animals during transportation,” she said.
Traffic stations in attendance included those from the Naledi, Kagisano Molopo, Greater Taung, and Lekwa Teemane Local Municipalities.
