- they end up withdrawing cases
A growing number of farmers in the Sehithwa policing area are reportedly withdrawing stock-theft cases due to lack of compensation for livestock lost to criminals, a concern that authorities fear will worsen the situation.
Police have however, warned that withdrawing cases only emboldens offenders and undermines ongoing efforts to curb the rise in stock theft.
Speaking during a crime-prevention workshop in Toteng recently, the Anti-stock-theft team member Constable Keabetswe Mogale revealed that at least 10 cases have already been withdrawn this year. “When cases are withdrawn, perpetrators feel untouchable. It becomes difficult to stop repeat offenders because they know they will be forgiven,” he said.
He reminded farmers that the law allows them to make formal compensation claims during stock-theft prosecutions, and depending on circumstances, courts may grant such claims. He encouraged the community to maintain trust in the justice system, stressing that abandoning cases only strengthens criminals.
Mogale also noted that late branding and poor livestock identification continue to expose animals to theft. He urged farmers to ensure their cattle are branded and tagged early, saying these measures are essential for tracking stolen livestock.
One resident Keaitsiwe Bonang said many farmers no longer see value in pursuing cases because even when suspects are jailed, victims receive no restitution.
He said victims do not benefit when culprits are jailed which is why they come back and steal again while farmers are left with nothing. “This is why many now prefer settling matters directly with the thieves so they can at least recover some financial value,” he added.
Sehithwa Station Commander Superintendent Molly Lebala-Moduke said stock-theft cases had increased from 23 in the year 2024 to 34 so far in 2025. She called for the revival of crime-prevention committees to enhance cooperation between communities and the police.
She further raised alarm over the increase in drug-abuse cases, which rose from four in 2024 to seven so far this year, calling for stronger community involvement.
Meanwhile, Lebala-Moduke stated that cases of illegal sand mining near Toteng village are also on the rise this year, adding that so far, they have received 14 cases compared to the five that were reported last year. Moduke further urged the community to report any suspicious quarrying or sand mining activities, especially in an area not designated for such activities,
She further called for a united front in fighting social ills. “Crime prevention is not the job of the police alone. It needs all of us to be actively involved if we want to win this fight,” he said.
