Charge butchery owners for stocktheft - Masunga

Kgosi Masunga said that in most cases, butchery owners encourage stocktheft because they buy the stolen stock, mostly cattle. The CCA mostly deals with cases of stock theft appeals from the lower customary courts. "This is a problem because we have also realised that most people simply do not protect their stock. They must hire herdsmen to take care of their stock.

Also these herdsmen must be paid appropriately because if you fail to pay employees, they are more likely to steal. The police must also open charges against those butchery owners buying stolen cattle," lashed out Masunga. He added that butchery owners must always buy cattle or stock at the courts of law. "Both the buyer and seller must sell before the courts. Also when buying stock, brand certificates from the owner must be produced as proof of ownership.  Cattle must also have ear tags to mark them when sold. A normal cow would cost you around P1,500 to P2,000 but a stolen cow is sold for just P700 or even P500," added Masunga.