New service creates platform to fight stock theft

July 2025

GRAIN AND OILSEED FARMERS WITH A LIVESTOCK COMPONENT CAN NOW REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT LIVESTOCK THEFT TO A CENTRALISED DATABASE VIA WHATSAPP. THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT REPLACE AN OFFICIAL LIVESTOCK THEFT CASE WITH THE SAPS BUT IS AN ADDITIONAL TOOL FOR COMPILING TREND AND THREAT ANALYSES.

According to a press release on the National Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) website, the system aims to make the required reports and information available to the national and provincial stock theft prevention forums (STPs). In this way, the police is involved and assisted by making information available through liaison on officially recognised forums.

This system allows for the capture of reports without a MAS number to identify information underreporting and the possible reasons for it. Furthermore, the database makes it easy to retrieve information through a reference number provided.

The service is provided on behalf of the National RPO and the National Livestock Theft Prevention Forum (NSTPF), in collaboration with Agri Ops. All information is captured and stored on the Earth Ranger platform and is treated confidentially and in accordance with POPIA provisions.

HOW TO REPORT THEFT OF LIVESTOCK

The following information is required to report an incident:

1. NAME AND CONTACT NUMBERS are required for a data capturer to contact you if more or missing information is required. It is also needed to provide you with the ER reference number.
2. PROVINCE: To compile provincial reports.
3. DISTRICT: For the compilation of municipal district reports. 
4. POLICE STATION: To compile reports per police station to present at monthly rural safety meetings and to compare statistics with official police stock theft statistics.
5. THE TYPE OF INCIDENT that occurred. The following cases can be reported:

• Livestock theft
• Illegal hunting with dogs
• Traps
• Roaming animals
• Poaching
• Trespassing
• Attempt of stock theft
• Violation(s) of the Fencing Act
• Livestock theft arrests
• Theft of wool and mohair

Please note that steps 1 to 5 are compulsory, while steps 6 to 8 are voluntary but preferred.

6.    Where did the incident occur? For example, a pin drop.
7.    How did the incident occur? Any additional information, like vehicle involvement, evidence at the scene or footprints.
8.    Additional information: Include photographs of the scene or any other details.

Messages can be sent 24/7 to the following WhatsApp number: 071 515 2011. Reports will be captured from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.

Source: Red Meat Producers' website: rpo.co.za

Publication: July 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula