Farmers have been encouraged to produce more cattle in order to take advantage of the beef export market but killing their cattle out of panic will not help the situation. The police have raised a concern against the alleged panic amongst some farmers reported to be killing cattle with multiple branding to avoid police trouble as the Kgomo-khumo anti-stock operation deepens in Boteti area.
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) public relations officer, assistant commissioner Dipheko Motube has pleaded with farmers not to panic because the police presence is meant to bring back their confidence in farming. Motube stated that for a while, cattle rustling has caused great sorrow to farmers in Botswana especially in rural communities who largely depend on agriculture for living. He said the operation’s aim is meant to curb the scourge not cause panic. “Farmers should not panic because Kgomo-Khumo anti-stock operation police team’s presence is for their sake as long as they are on the right side of the law. The operation is meant to curb the scourge because cattle farming has been and remains the livelihood of a Motswana,” Motube said. He further explained that as the police, they understand that older cattle are bound to have been owned by more than two people hence plead with farmers not to panic and kill their multiple branded beasts as alleged.
