FARMERS' FURY AS ARMED SA GANGS STEAL LIVESTOCK

MHLAMBANYATSI – A simmering rage has boiled over, as the country’s farmers accuse the South African Police Service (SAPS) of turning a blind eye to armed syndicates operating with impunity in a notorious ‘no-go’ zone.

The farmers’ frustration, laid bare during a tense stakeholder meeting at Mhlambanyatsi Inkhundla, reveals allegations of police collusion and a desperate struggle to reclaim stolen livestock from the lawless region of Ndonga, South Africa.

Nestled within Mayflower, Mpumalanga, under the Gert Sibande District Municipality, Ndonga has become a heavily fortified stronghold for thieves who steal livestock from Eswatini. Farmers report that armed herd boys and gunmen guard the stolen cattle, making retrieval a near-impossible task.

Elvis Mgabhi, speaking on behalf of the beleaguered farmers, articulated their desperation. “We’ve discovered that the stolen cattle are held at Ndonga, where a syndicate of armed herd boys and gunmen operate. If we approach, the herd boys summon the gunmen and gang members to deal with us,” he explained.

Criminals

“Every time we ask the police to accompany us to Ndonga, they cite the area’s danger, claiming it’s occupied by armed criminals. They always say they require backup. The more they delay, the more the criminals sell our livestock.”

Mgabhi questioned the very essence of law enforcement, asking, “How can State police, entrusted with protecting property and lives, allow a criminal den to flourish at Ndonga?”

The provisional Commander for Stock Theft and Endangered Species, Mqedi Thomas Zulu, acknowledged the farmers’ concerns, confirming Ndonga’s reputation as a dangerous ‘no-go’ zone. He pledged SAPS’s commitment to assisting the farmers, urging them to maintain secrecy during operations to avoid alerting the criminals.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the staggering losses. National Commissioner NATCOM of Police, Manoma Masango, revealed that stock theft has cost Eswatini a shocking E21 958 445 in 2024 alone. “These statistics show that cattle are the most sought-after livestock, with stolen E17 343 620,” he noted during an anti-stock theft campaign at Mhlambanyatsi, highlighting the criminals’ focus.

“Despite our persistent efforts as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) to combat this crime, stock theft continues unabated, with figures soaring, a cause for serious concern,” NATCOM Masango said. He also acknowledged the recovery of 839 livestock through collaborative efforts with communities and SAPS, but stressed the need for intensified interventions.

While Zulu confirmed that SAPS recognises the challenges posed by Ndonga, farmers remain sceptical of their ability to act effectively. Masango highlighted the difficulties posed by porous borders and poor road infrastructure, which aid the syndicates. He also addressed the issue of local collusion, stating: “It is disheartening that these syndicates collude with emaSwati to commit this crime and these culprits are known in our communities.”

The commissioner emphasised the importance of community involvement, urging citizens to work closely with the police and other stakeholders. He highlighted the need for livestock branding and accurate record-keeping to aid investigations. “We encourage citizens to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders in branding their livestock for easier identification during investigations,” he said.

Zulu concluded the meeting by promising to relay the farmers’ concerns to his superiors, while NATCOM Masango called for a united front against stock theft, echoing the campaign’s theme: ‘Be Resolute and be a Partner in Creating a Buffer Against Stock Theft’. The farmers, however, remain wary, awaiting tangible action from SAPS to reclaim their stolen livestock and restore security to their livelihoods.

Masango also addressed the farmers’ concerns about the difficulties of reclaiming stolen livestock from South Africa. Many expressed frustration, believing Eswatini police should simply cross the border armed and seize their property. Some even suggested law enforcement should shoot criminals found with stolen livestock, highlighting their desperation.

Masango clarified that police cannot simply cross the border with firearms. “We cannot just enter South Africa with guns and look for criminals, as some of you perceive. There are established procedures for local police to enter South Africa in pursuit of stolen livestock,” he explained, aiming to provide transparency on the complexities of cross-border cooperation.

He urged communities to unite against stock theft, stressing communal collaboration is essential. “The fight against stock theft can only be won if all communities join hands and guard against this problem,” he asserted. He assured them that the police would work with stakeholders to devise effective strategies.

Masango, moved by the farmers’ concerns, deviated from his prepared speech. “We are here as per your request. Once we start operations, we will deal with all sorts of crime. We will not turn a blind eye to cannabis if we come across it in the mountains,” he told the farmers, emphasising their shared responsibility to tackle crime.

Regarding accusations of police officers colluding with cattle rustlers, Masango acknowledged that the police service would investigate, noting that a uniform does not guarantee integrity. “Some people may wear the police uniform, but do the opposite,” he conceded, reinforcing the need for accountability.

Acknowledging

Masango thanked the farmers for their openness, acknowledging the weight of their concerns and the troubling stock theft figures. He revealed that 1 274 cases, amounting to E21 958 445, were reported in 2024, with significant livestock being trafficked into Mozambique and South Africa.

He noted that 839 animals, including 356 cattle, 478 goats, and five pigs, had been recovered. Masango lamented the dire consequences of stock theft, highlighting that livestock is not just sustenance, but also a symbol of wealth for the emaSwati. The police are aware of the life-threatening violence farmers face while pursuing their livestock, a persistent and alarming concern.

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