Purpose of the event by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General SF Masemola (SOEG) Ministerial Stakeholders’ Engagement on Stock Theft and Endangered Species Bloemfontein 20 March 2025

Thank you Programme Director, 

• The Minister of Police, Honourable Senzo Mchunu; 
• The Deputy Minister of Police, Honourable Cassel Mathale; 
• The Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Mr J Mbalula; 
• The Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms EC Rockman; 
• The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms V Mathye; 
• The Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Cllr M Nthatisi; 
• The Deputy National Commissioner Crime Detection, Lt Gen Sibiya; 
• All Provincial Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners present; 
• The Community Policing Forum Board representatives; 
• The Farmers’ Unions present; 
• All the farmers present; 
• All stakeholders present; 
• All invited guests; 
• Members of the Media; 
• Ladies and gentlemen; 

Good Morning! Dumelang, Molweni, Sanibonani 

It gives me great pleasure to address this important gathering today, which is aimed at discussing one of the critical pillars of our mandate as the police – which is to create safer communities and to build business confidence. 

This important meeting brings all influential, and progressive decision makers and operatives in one room. This hall is full of the stakeholders representing the farming community within agricultural sector but equally the hall is full of Stock Theft Unit Commanders and other respective commanders from the Visible Policing environment among others. 

Most importantly this meeting is also graced by the presence of the Minister of Police, the Deputy Minister of Police, 3 MECs the Executive

Mayor, DNCs, Provincial Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners. 

Therefore, our deliberations today must yield positive results and also positively contribute towards addressing known challenges including Stock Theft within the farming communities. 

Yesterday, the Minister of Police, Hon Senzo Mchunu led the SAPS to the joint portfolio committee of Police and Agriculture and Rural Development. The discussions were robust but equally progressive as well have a common goal of addressing challenges and create an environment that is safe for the farming community. 

The Agricultural sector presents one of the greatest opportunities to significantly grow the South African economy and create jobs. 

It has significantly contributed so much to improving the growth of our economy and the SAPS therefore endeavours to ensure that agricultural activities are conducted in a secure and safe environment. 

However, ladies and gentlemen stock theft is a major issue in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where livestock farming is a key part of the economy. It affects commercial and subsistence farmers alike, leading to significant financial loss. 

As a result of this, in 2019 the SAPS revised the Rural Safety Strategy that was developed in 1999, to address crime in rural areas which includes stock theft, farm attacks and general safety concerns. 

Key elements of the strategy include dedicated Rural Safety Units, community involvement and partnership, border security enhancements and education and crime prevention awareness among others. 

As the SAPS we have made great strides since the 2019 strategy with recent arrests highlighting ongoing efforts to combat this crime: 

• In January 2025, one of our own, a Police Sergeant from the Eastern Cape’s Stock Theft Unit was arrested for alleged fraud and theft of livestock, underscoring concerns about law enforcement involvement in such crimes. 

• In another incident, 6 (six) suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape in September 2024 during an intelligence driven operation between Lady Grey and Aliwal North, which led to the recovery of cattle valued at R120 000. 

• In the same month, a suspect was arrested near Itsoseng, Mahikeng by the Mahikeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.

The suspect was found with 15 cattle worth R150 000 and had been rebranded with his mark. 

These incidents ladies and gentlemen, reflect the ongoing challenges and efforts in addressing stock theft in South Africa. 

Our latest Crime Stats reveal that we have registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, which is a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector as a whole. 

Although the percentage seems to be relatively small, we note the outcry of communities that farm livestock, particularly in the Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, hence the urgent decision to host this engagement.  

The purpose of this ministerial engagement is to discuss the escalating problem of stock theft, review current intervention measures and explore additional strategies to combat this type of crime, which continues to have a devastating impact on local economies, communities and farmers. 

Addressing stock theft in South Africa requires a collaborative effort between law enforcement, farmers, communities and government agencies, strengthening rural safety strategies, improving law enforcement response and utilising technology for tracking and identification which are key, in reducing this crime. 

Farmers and communities must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, and work closely with stock theft units and community policing forums. 

By fostering strong partnerships and proactive prevention measures, we can protect livelihoods, strengthen food security and ensure a safer rural environment for all. 

So let us deliberate on the challenges surrounding stock theft, share best practices and identify actionable strategies to reduce its prevalence. 

THANK YOU!