Bangwaketse turn to Badisakgomo to stop livestock theft

 

Bangwaketse Kgosikgolo, Kgosi Malope II, has formally introduced residents to groups that intend to safeguard livestock by working tirelessly against thieves and bringing them to the police.

Residents gathered at the Kgotla expressed concerns that women are now involved in livestock theft. Certain women are known to sell offal daily, which they allegedly buy from a group of suspected thieves, thereby rendering them accomplices in the crime.

They also lamented that women accept meat portions brought home by their unemployed children, knowing fully well that they have no means to purchase such meat. Women were criticised and urged to stop shielding their children who frequently steal livestock.

The chairman of Badisakgomo, farmer Reuben Ditsile from Ranaka explained that the leaders who formed Badisakgomo initiative are from Mmathethe and had arranged for all Badisakgomo subgroups to be present at this meeting.

Other concerned groups, such as Kgomo Ke Banka from Lotlhakane East and Tlounyana from Polokwe, which often collaborate with Badisakgomo, were also in attendance. The police commanders of the area, were also present in the meeting.

Odirile Kamudi from Mmalore, near Mmathethe, revealed how they had come up with the initiative called Badisakgomo. This initiative has divided its members into groups to cover various villages, consisting of concerned farmers aiming to work tirelessly against livestock theft.

Kamudi informed residents that the initiative was established before COVID-19, but their efforts were interrupted by the pandemic. They managed to resume their mission after COVID-19.

'When we first formed this, we faced complications, including minor conflicts with police officers. There was a rise in stock theft cases in Mmathethe when we began, but we managed to keep the situation under control. Now, other villagers are expressing interest in joining the Badisakgomo initiative,' Kamudi said.

The group of farmers said they had meetings with the police and successfully persuaded them to understand their motives for combatting livestock theft.

They have spread throughout the Southern District and are poised to expand into Khakhea, Tsonyane, Gasita, and other villages, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Badisakgomo initiative.

'We must all unite against livestock theft. We care deeply for our cattle, and the initiative has proven highly effective. We have caught thieves red-handed on several occasions, reported them to the police, and alerted cattle owners to retrieve their livestock,' Kamudi stated.

He also challenged women to stand against livestock theft and refrain from accepting meat portions brought home by their unemployed children.

'Bomme a re emiseng go tsenya mo legwafeng, Se tseye hela bo o re ngwanake wa mpapalela,' he warned.

A concerned Kamudi revealed that, surprisingly, livestock thieves are often the same individuals who are granted bail and continue to steal again. These repeat offenders have numerous cases under their names.

He encouraged residents to join Badisakgomo and paying aan annual subscription fee of P340, emphasising the need for funds to cover fuel expenses for vehicles.

He recounted a recent incident where they caught 11 youths red-handed with stolen livestock in Mmathethe, and the cattle were successfully returned to their owners.

Additionally, he revealed that farmers who are not members and have their cattle stolen will be subjected to a hefty charge of P500 per cow once recovered.

Senior Assistant Commissioner, Harrison Digobe, divisional commander for the South, commended the Badisakgomo committee for their voluntary and dedicated efforts against stock theft.

He said they will arrange for them to expand their operations to work alongside other policing districts such as Tsabong, Molepolole and Mogoditshane among others.

Kgosi Malope II also commended Badisakgomo for their commendable efforts. He encouraged farmers to collaborate and consolidate into one larger group instead of having multiple smaller groups with similar objectives.

Additionally, he proposed for them to be assisted with a vehicle and a small office to support their voluntary efforts in combating livestock theft.