The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and South African law enforcement agencies have collaborated in a successful operation to recover stolen livestock worth over E290 000 near the Eswatini border. The joint operation, known as Operation Basadi, targeted stock theft networks operating around Ndonga Farm and Mafufumbe, near Mayflower, in Mpumalanga. This cross-border effort resulted in significant recoveries of cattle, sheep, and goats.
During the operation, law enforcement officers screened 129 cattle and 67 sheep and goats, conducted 19 searches, and carried out five farm patrols. The multi-agency operation involved the REPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit, South African Police Service (SAPS) STES units, Visible Policing members, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the REPS STES unit. This cooperation highlights the commitment of both countries to tackling livestock theft.
Three significant recoveries were made during the operation. At the Ermelo Pound, cattle, calves, sheep, and carcasses valued at approximately E160 000 were impounded. Additionally, seven goats valued at about E22 000, previously reported stolen in a Chrissiesmeer case, were recovered abandoned and tied with ropes at a grazing camp at Ndonga Farm. A further 12 cattle valued at E110 000 were recovered in the Mayflower area.
The recovered cattle in the Mayflower area are believed to be linked to an ongoing stock theft case. Although no arrests were made during the operation, police issued three official notices for alleged contraventions of the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002 and the Stock Theft Act. This demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to address stock theft and related crimes.
The operation showcases the importance of cross-border cooperation between Eswatini and South African law enforcement agencies in combating livestock theft. Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise praised the cooperation between the agencies, emphasizing South Africa's commitment to working with neighboring countries to disrupt cross-border crime syndicates and protect farming communities.
The successful recovery of stolen livestock is a significant achievement for the joint operation. The cooperation between Eswatini and South African law enforcement agencies demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing stock theft and related crimes. This collaborative effort is expected to have a positive impact on farming communities and the livestock industry in the region.
The joint operation serves as a deterrent to stock thieves and highlights the importance of continued cooperation between Eswatini and South African law enforcement agencies. The recovery of stolen livestock worth over E290 000 is a testament to the effectiveness of this collaboration. Key efforts to combat stock theft will likely continue in the region.
Key points
- E290 000 worth of livestock recovered near Eswatini border
- Joint operation involved multiple South African law enforcement agencies and REPS
- Cooperation between Eswatini and South Africa aims to disrupt cross-border crime syndicates
