The Inkatha Freedom Party calls for tougher penalties on stock thieves after two people were caught red handed selling stolen cows at Kwakhetha in Impendle.
“Stock theft has a negative impact on our economy. Cattle farmers are tired of losing their livestock to organised crime and we urge police to get cattle theft under control. When cattle are offered at a cheap rate, buyers should be suspicious,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Agriculture, Mr Nhlanhla Msimango MPL.
“The IFP is also concerned over butchery owners who have the tendency of buying cattle and slaughtering them in the bush, then selling the meat without proper inspection by health inspectors. This raises suspicions of whether such cattle are procured legally. This is a common practice in pension pay points,” continued Mr Msimango.
“The IFP further calls on relevant authorities to put more effort into control of butcheries and create small-scale establishments in the districts to bring a new buying and selling system of carcasses in KZN. Such a situation can help strengthen the meat market and ensure all bulk supplies emanate from legal sources. It would also ease control mechanisms by making buyers account for the meat they sell,” concluded Mr Msimango.
The IFP calls on the KZN MEC of Agriculture, Themba Mthembu to roll out a provincial livestock-marking and tracking programme to combat stock theft.
Issued by:
Mr Nhlanhla Msimango
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Agriculture
074 259 0820