Suspected goat theft syndicate terrorises Serowe area
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday July 16, 2025 13:50
Cops suspect a group targeting goats in the area were involved in the latest case which is currently under investigation.
The current case involves theft of 12 goats from Sesoma Lands, located on the outskirts of Serowe.
According to Serowe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Poloko Oteng, the goats were kraaled on Friday evening by their owner, who resides in Serowe, but were discovered missing the following day.
“The owner went to check on his livestock late Saturday afternoon, only to find the kraal empty. Fresh car tyre tracks were found near the kraal, indicating that the goats were likely transported away by that vehicle,” Oteng explained.
He noted that this incident comes whilst police are still investigating a previous case in which 15 goats were stolen from a different location within the same general area of Mothamo.
Mothamo broadly covers a number of villages west of Serowe, including Thabala, Mogorosi, Motshegaletau, and Mabuo to mention but a few.
“These recurring incidents suggest that there is a group targeting goats in this area. The nature and coordination of the thefts point to a possible syndicate.
“We have since stepped up efforts to trace and arrest the culprits behind the thefts,' he said.
As investigations continue, Oteng has called on farmers to remain vigilant and take extra security measures.
“We urge farmers to avoid leaving their livestock unattended overnight. Instead of kraaling the animals and returning to the village, we recommend hiring herders who can stay with the livestock full-time to prevent further losses,” he advised.
Oteng assured residents that police have launched a full-scale probe to dismantle the suspected syndicate and bring those responsible to justice.
“Livestock farming is a major source of livelihood for many in this area. These thefts are not only criminal acts but direct attacks on people’s economic survival.
“We are determined to stop these perpetrators before they rob more farmers of their livelihoods,” Oteng said.