On Wednesday 02 April 2025, a high-density operation aimed at combatting stock theft was conducted in Mayflower, Gert Sibande District, within the province of Mpumalanga. Led by the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the joint Cross Border Operation was a collaboration of law enforcement agencies, including Police from the Kingdom of Eswatini, SANDF members, Home Affairs officials, CPF members, and various units within the SAPS.
During the operation, a total of 18 cattle were confiscated, with fines issued for non-compliance in terms of brand marking of livestock. Of the 18 cattle, 16 were found to have brand marks belonging to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Suspiciously, two cattle were discovered with double brand markings, indicating a potential case of theft. The livestock owners from the Kingdom of Eswatini and South Africa were present during the operation to identify their reportedly stolen livestock. During the operation, 94 cattles and 18 goats were inspected and various kraals were visited by the formidable team.
Meanwhile three individuals were arrested for drug-related offences, while three others were apprehended for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs officials is ongoing to determine the immigration status of those detained.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi highlighted the significance of brand marking livestock, as it facilitates the identification of owners when recoveries are made. “Livestock owners are urged to adhere to branding requirements to ensure swift and accurate identification of their animals. This will definitely assist our investigators and successful prosecution of perpetrators which will in turn reduce stocktheft in the long run. Similar operations should be expected going forward,” said the General.