Stocktheft workshop to be held at Mankwe cattle post

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Thursday August 12, 2010 00:00

 

Selebi-Phikwe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Victor Nlebesi said farmers in the area have been complaining about the disappearance of their livestock. He said Mankwe which is 72 kilometers to the South east of Selebi-Phikwe is the centre to other cattle posts such as Maipaahela, Torobela, Didibeng, Khurumela and Marebotse. He added that cattle stolen from these areas are sold to butcheries in Palapye, Mmadinare, Selebi-Phikwe and Maunatlala.

'Farmers will also be informed about the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in their zones by department of veterinary officers. Clusters from Bobonong, Gobojango, Serule, Baines Drift and Selebi-Phikwe will be present at the workshop,' he said.

Nlebesi said farmers will be informed about the Meat Industries Act as a guideline towards meat handling, cattle inspection and selling.

He noted that the act can also assist in reducing stock theft, adding that it is meant to make sure that Batswana eat clean meat. Farmers will also be given tips on how to make their animals less prone to theft.  Nlebesi raised concern about meat sold at shebeens.  'We suspect that the meat could be from stolen livestock,' he said.

Meanwhile Nlebesi denied rumours of some police officers stealing money from the police station.  'I am not aware of that incident. It is only after we have arrested those officers and they have appeared before court that we can say that they have stolen the money,' he said.

He also reported that about 101 people were arrested last week during an operation called Sweep Streets. Their offences range from breaking immigration laws to driving unlicensed vehicles.