MBABANE – A 58-year-old Shewula man has been arrested in connection with a stock theft case involving a Honda Fit abandoned with a cow carcass inside.
The suspect, from Tincumatsini, was arrested at about 8.15pm on Monday following an intelligence-led operation.
The arrest follows an incident on Sunday when traffic officers on patrol along the Maphiveni–Tabankulu public road spotted a stationary Honda Fit with two occupants.
When the officers approached the vehicle, the driver sped off, prompting a pursuit. The occupants later abandoned the vehicle in the Mhlume area and fled on foot.
A search of the Honda Fit led to the discovery of a cow carcass in the back seat.
Police subsequently launched an investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the 58-year-old suspect at Shewula.
He is expected to appear before the Siteki Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Police said the investigation was continuing and the suspect could be linked to other stock theft cases.
The second suspect remains at large.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) commended the officers involved for their vigilance, commitment and swift response.
It is worth noting that stock theft remains a major challenge for Eswatini’s rural communities and livestock farmers, with stolen animals costing the country millions of Emalangeni.
The Times of Eswatini reported in December 2025 that livestock worth more than E20.57 million was stolen between January and October that year.
Cattle, goats and pigs were among the animals most commonly targeted, highlighting the continued vulnerability of livestock owners to theft.
The impact extends beyond the immediate value of animals lost. For many rural households, livestock represents a source of income, food and financial security, meaning theft can wipe out years of investment.
Police have also raised concerns about organised operations behind some stock theft cases. In one case reported by the Times, three men were arrested in connection with an alleged cattle-theft syndicate accused of stealing livestock, slaughtering it clandestinely and distributing the meat through illegal channels.
Authorities have increasingly focused on cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Eswatini and neighbouring South Africa, particularly because livestock can be moved across the shared border after being stolen.
Stock theft has also complicated efforts to control livestock diseases. During the 2025 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, authorities raised concerns about unauthorised movement of animals, including movement associated with stock theft. Government estimated that a mass cattle vaccination programme could cost about E63 million, with approximately E40 million already spent on vaccines at the time.
The figures underline that the consequences of livestock theft extend beyond individual farmers, affecting rural livelihoods, policing, disease control and the wider livestock economy.
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