Illegal slaughter persists in Serowe despite FMD restrictions
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday February 18, 2026 06:03
Serowe jurisdiction is registering at least one or two cases every week involving people who defy the ban by slaughtering their animals.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday in Moiyabana, where a man was found slaughtering a goat in his yard. A passerby, who witnessed the act, reported the matter to the police.
Serowe Police Station commander, Superintendent Poloko Oteng, said officers swiftly responded to the report and caught the suspect in the act. “Police promptly attended to the scene and found the man slaughtering a goat. Officers were accompanied by veterinary officials, who confiscated the carcass. The suspect was charged and fined for failing to comply with animal health regulations.”
Oteng added that goats and cattle are the most commonly slaughtered animals during the restriction period. In another recent incident in Tshimoyapula, a farmer was also caught illegally slaughtering a goat. The meat was confiscated and later destroyed by authorities.
He said many offenders often claim their animals were sick and that they slaughtered them to avoid losses. “Despite the current restrictions, some people believe they can still slaughter and consume their animals. They usually argue that the livestock was ill and they had no choice. However, the public is advised to refrain from such practices to help the government contain the spread of FMD,” Oteng said. Oteng stressed that the police, together with veterinary officers, remain vigilant and will continue to enforce the regulations.
“We cannot leave such cases unattended. Weekly arrests show that more awareness and compliance are still needed,” he added. Oteng has pleaded with livestock owners to report sick animals to veterinary officials rather than resort to illegal slaughter, warning that offenders will continue to face penalties under animal health laws.