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Theft of stock in Botswana is escalating, particularly at areas situated along the borders, the periphery of the cities and towns. The most vulnerable stock is being cattle, goats and donkeys.

Livestock farming in Botswana contributes enormously to the social and economic life of this nation, hence should be preserved at all costs. The phenomenon of stock theft as implied above is mostly organized with syndicates smuggling live animals and their produce into cities and towns for slaughter and illegal sales respectively.

In the same vein, criminal’s syndicates collude with butchery owners in cities, towns and villages to circumvent council bye-laws to kill animals not acquired at public sales.

In order to address the escalating theft of stock in the country, the Stock Theft Act Cap 09:01 of the laws of Botswana has a number of provisions that are in place to control the menace. Some of the important issues covered in the Act include requirement with regard to driving or conveying stock or produce.

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On recognizing the escalation in the number of livestock theft cases in the country, an anti-stock theft program has been formed and budgeted for accordingly by the National Crime Prevention Unit of the Botswana Police Service. In the same vein, a number of crime prevention efforts have been initiated by the police in conjunction with other partners to curb theft of livestock in the country. Items for discussion at anti-stock theft workshops and seminars include among others:

• Awareness on stock theft trends
• Prevention techniques to thwart available opportunities
• Encouraging farmers to cooperate with other stake holders

This program provides a conclusive platform for crime prevention partners to discuss issues pertinent to livestock problems.

• Form anti-stock theft committees in your perspective areas.
• Ensure that all your animals have been marked appropriately.
• Secure property boundaries by keeping fences and gates in good repair.
• Maintain accurate records including:
• livestock numbers
• registration details
• personal profiles of individual animals
• livestock movement data
• Develop and maintain good relationships with your neighbors.
• Initiate a local newsletter to provide regular information to the community on crime and crime prevention strategies.
• Invite police to visit sale yards and abattoirs regularly.
• Visit your farm/cattle post on regular basis.
• Report all incidents of livestock crime to the police