He adds that the prosecution process faces various challenges, including a shortage of trained personnel and limited capacity.
“ We need dedicated prosecutors who can manage cases properly and ensure suspects are brought before the courts,” he says.
Jordaan also points out that organised syndicates are behind much of the theft and often steal to order, knowing that consequences are unlikely. The Eastern Cape alone saw R150 million worth of livestock stolen in the first part of this year.
Widespread frustration among producers
Joe Scholtz, chair of the rural safety and livestock theft committee in the Northern Cape and vice-chair of the National Livestock Theft Forum of the RPO, says Northern Cape farmers face unique challenges. The province is vast and towns are spread