The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has deployed a significant number of its members to Gudigwa, Beetsha and Eretsha villages as authorities intensify efforts to combat the growing security threat of cross-border stock theft in the Okavango district. The development comes amid continued concerns from farmers who report that their cattle are being stolen and allegedly taken across the country’s borders.
According to Okavango District Council Chairman Gaopalelwe Ronald, cross-border stock theft remains a major concern in the three villages, with the problem having persisted since 2019. Addressing an ODC full meeting, Ronald said deployment of BDF members is expected to strengthen security in an area where farmers have continued to raise concerns about the safety of their livestock. The council chairman said government remains committed to supporting measures aimed at combating stock theft.
Residents raised the issue during an engagement with the Minister of State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, on June 5. They called for stronger border patrols and the repair and maintenance of sections of the border fence, which they believe could help prevent criminals from moving stolen livestock across the border.
During the engagement Kgosi Disho Ndowe of Seronga village reported that a number of cattle had gone missing over the years and expressed concern that some of the people involved in the theft could be crossing into Botswana from neighbouring countries. The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from both the BDF and Botswana Police Service during the engagement.
Mohwasa acknowledged that cattle rustling remained a significant challenge in the Okavango District. He said the government was also aware of cooperation from neighbouring countries, particularly Namibia and Zambia, in efforts to address the problem. Mohwasa also indicated that he would return to the affected communities to assess progress and determine whether the interventions put in place are producing results.
Stock theft does not only affect individual farmers but can also threaten rural livelihoods, particularly in communities where cattle are an important source of income and household wealth. For farmers in the affected villages, the continued deployment of security personnel is likely to be closely watched, particularly whether it leads to fewer cattle theft cases and improved recovery of stolen animals. The matter remains a key concern for communities living close to the border, as authorities continue working with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border livestock crime.
