Didiza condemns high rate of farm murders, stock theft

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has expressed outrage at the high number of farm murders and the increase in stock theft that have been reported during the festive season.

According to the crime stats released in parliament in September 2019, 47 farm murders were reported in the 2018-2019 financial year.

Stock theft in the country is up by 2, 9% with almost 30 000 animals having been stolen between April 2018 and March.

Cattle has been the prime target of stock thieves followed by sheep, goat and horses.

“Minister Didiza has expressed outrage at the number of stock theft that has been reported this festive season as well as some murders of farmers. The minister believes that the loss of livestock to stock theft has not only impacted those who were directly affected but to the entire livestock industry. She also wishes to send her deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones during these farmer and farm workers attacks. She trusts our law enforcement agencies will do what it takes to put those responsible behind bars,” says the department spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo.