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DATE: 19 JUNE 2006

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LIMPOPO: STOCK THEFT - STOLEN, RECOVERED AND LOSSES

Mr Dries Joubert, Chairperson of TAU SA North, expressed his concern with the high level of stock theft in the Northern Region.

NATIONAL STOCK THEFT MEETING

Mr Joubert expressed his delight with the outcome of the National Stock Theft meeting which took place on Tuesday 13 June 2006.

STATISTICS

Mr Joubert thanked the committee for the comprehensive stock theft statistics that were provided for each member. The statistics will enable each province to look at problem areas and to work on better prevention and recovery of stolen stock, although statistics of stock theft not reported, are not available.

STATISTICS FROM 1 APRIL 2002 – 31 MARCH 2006 in SOUTH AFRICA

2002/3 2003/4 2004/5 2005/6

Cattle Stolen: 70817 66102 60043 59629

Cattle recovered: 30618 28394 23339 24338

% recovered: 43% 43% 35% 40,8%

Value of losses (R 5000.00 per unit) R 176 455 000.00

Sheet / Goats Stolen: 111570 114931 100043 109368

Recovered: 22135 29087 22799 25963

% recovered: 9,8% 25,3% 22,8% 23,7%

Value of losses (R 600.00 per unit) R 50 043 000.00

Top ten areas: Ulundi, Uthukela, Midlands, Eastern Highveld, Eastern Free state, Mthatha, Highveld, Marico, Capricorn (Limpopo) and Mooi River.

STATISTICS FROM 1 JANUARY 2006 – 31 MARCH 2006 IN LIMPOPO

Cattle Stolen: 1268

Cattle recovered: 553

Value of losses (R 5000.00 per unit) R 35 750 000.00

Top ten areas: Ulundi, Midlands, Highveld, Eastern Free State, Eastern Highveld, Uthukela, Mthatha, Marico, Umzimkulu and Capricorn in Limpopo.

MORE RESOURCES TO THIS UNIT

Mr Joubert said in the light of the massive impact of stock theft on agriculture, government is urged to provide more resources to this unit. He said this unit is working under extremely difficult conditions and showed progress.

Mr Joubert said that farmers, emerging and commercial, must carry stock theft losses. On top of this massive loss, farmers are expected to pay income tax, VAT, tollgate fees, others and now even municipal property tax. It seems as if government fail to understand the importance of agriculture as job creation but also as a strategic commodity for the whole country. He urged the Department of Safety and Security to support and strengthen this unit.

Mr F Du Toit - Chairperson: Communication