BEREA, Feb.-The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Livestock Theft Unit has conducted a training session for chiefs in Bela-Bela, aimed at strengthening livestock management and curbing stock theft through proper marking, registration and documentation.
Speaking during the session, Police Constable (P/C) Tebelo Masothonyane from the LMPS Livestock Theft Department in Berea said effective livestock registration also contributes to national data collection, including the Population and Housing Census, where livestock ownership forms part of community statistics.
P/C Masothonyane highlighted the critical role played by chiefs in ensuring compliance with livestock regulations at village level. He explained that all animals must be clearly marked and registered according to their type, colour, gender and ownership details to enhance traceability and accountability.
He further urged community leaders to encourage villagers to report any livestock movements or changes in status. “Villagers should inform chiefs when animals are left in someone else’s care, when new animals are born, or when animals are slaughtered,” he said. P/C Masothonyane also stressed that pigs are among the animals that must be registered and properly marked, calling on pig farmers to adhere to the regulations.
He noted that livestock marking can be done through ear notching by chiefs, while branding by burning and tattooing are carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The training forms part of ongoing LMPS efforts to collaborate with traditional leaders in reducing livestock theft and improving livestock management across the Berea district.
Ends. TM/BM