Major Victory: Police Recover R2.8 Million Worth of Stolen Cattle in Qumbu

In a resolute response to the ongoing menace of stock theft in Eastern Cape’s Sulenkama region, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has recently accomplished a significant feat by recovering stolen livestock, including 208 cattle valued approximately at R2.8 million. This operation, which spanned from February 12 to 14, 2025, underscores a stern warning to criminals engaging in such illicit activities.

Stock theft has long been a cause of substantial economic and social strain in rural communities around Qumbu, often sparking violent disputes and financial hardships. Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, the combined forces of the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units, along with Vispol, Mounted, and K9 divisions, orchestrated an inter-district raid across Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo districts. Their mission was twofold: to reclaim stolen livestock and clamp down on the possession of illegal firearms, which is often linked to broader criminal activities in these areas.

The operation’s success was partly due to the strategic involvement of mounted police, who expertly navigated the challenging mountainous terrains to locate and recover the livestock. Alongside the recovery of cattle, police seized other livestock entities and a number of illegal firearms. The crackdown led to the arrest of three individuals aged between 27 and 65, one of whom was also implicated in an assault case.

Furthermore, the police enforced livestock branding laws rigorously during the raid, resulting in 14 stock owners being fined a total of R4,250 for their failure to brand. Branding, a mandatory legal requirement, is critical for ownership identification and serves as a deterrent against theft.

This operation has not only highlighted the effectiveness of the SAPS's strategy against stock theft but has also served as a critical reminder to the local communities about the importance of compliance with livestock regulations. Additionally, affected stock owners have been encouraged to visit municipal pounds to identify and reclaim their animals, thus closing the loop on this comprehensive enforcement effort.

In rural areas like Sulenkama, where agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, such acts of theft can be devastating. The Qumbu police’s recent operation sends a robust message that the authorities are more determined than ever to combat this plague, ensuring security and stability in the agricultural sector. Continued operations and strict enforcement are planned, maintaining pressure on criminals and reinforcing the resolve to protect rural economies from such disruptive crimes.