Africa-Press – Eswatini. Farmers in the Lubombo Region have joined forces with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Ministry of Agriculture, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), and other key stakeholders to tackle the alarming rise in stock theft cases.
The discussion, which aired, focused on how to address the increasing livestock theft incidents affecting farmers in the region.
During the meeting held in Siteki, REPS Deputy Commissioner Wendy Nhleta assured farmers that their concerns were being taken seriously.
“We hear and understand the challenges farmers are facing. This dialogue is just the beginning. A major meeting will soon follow, where the National Commissioner will also be in attendance,” Nhleta stated.
UEDF representative Thando Mamba urged farmers to speak out and report suspicious activities instead of protecting offenders within their communities.“It becomes nearly impossible to fight this crime when farmers shield each other. We need unity in truth,” Mamba said.
He also raised alarm over the tampering of the border fence between Eswatini and Mozambique, which he said enables criminals to smuggle stolen cattle across with ease.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mfandzile Ginindza promised action on concerns regarding livestock documentation, especially for goats.
“We will prepare a full report and forward it to the relevant department to address this matter,” he said.
One farmer voiced concern about certain butchery owners who operate without any known history in livestock farming. “ How can they sell meat when they have never owned animals?” the farmer asked.
The meeting concluded with strong calls for tighter monitoring, stricter legal enforcement, and the need to build trust between communities and security agencies to protect the nation’s livestock and ensure food security.
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