DISANENG VILLAGE, NORTH WEST — For more than two decades, the farming residents of Disaneng village, situated near Mahikeng close to the South Africa-Botswana border, have confronted a persistent crisis of livestock theft—alleging that organized syndicates operate with impunity and that local police have failed to intervene, or worse, collaborated with the criminals.
During a recent community engagement in Disaneng with acting Police Provincial Commissioner Dr Ryno Naidoo, residents underscored that while general crime affects their area, the systematic theft of cattle, goats, and sheep remains their most urgent grievance. Many farmers stated that despite repeatedly filing reports with law enforcement, cases stall, evidence vanishes, and suspects remain free.
One farmer recounted how thieves first took small items—sheep, a kettle, household goods—before gradually looting cattle, then returning to seize everything remaining. “I reported the case and found them at the farm. They came back and took all of them. I know the people who took them and I open cases against them and they never got arrested,” the resident told the gathering.
In another incident, nearly 17 goats were stolen. Police reportedly attended the scene, confirmed the animals had been taken and slaughtered, and documented tire tracks and footprints leading directly to suspects. Officers even identified five individuals allegedly involved—yet no arrests were made.
Community members further alleged that theft operations are highly coordinated, with syndicates using designated locations to plan raids and holding camps where stolen livestock are consolidated and transported.
Local tribal authorities voiced profound frustration with the police response. “Myself and members of the community have lost confidence in the police,” one representative stated. Residents noted that although numerous cases are formally registered, investigating officers seldom provide updates once matters reach court, convictions are exceptionally rare, and families rarely learn the outcomes. “People just go to police station for formality,” one community member observed.
Addressing the assembly, Dr Ryno Naidoo, acting Provincial Police Commissioner, acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised. He indicated that police are exploring the rollout of a “traditional policing” approach already embedded within the South African Police Service framework. “This is a far-flung rural area; the police station is not so near and maybe the capacity also is not sufficient to address some of the challenges,” Dr Naidoo explained. “We are going to explore all this together with the community and with the traditional leaders so that eventually we can put a form of policing here where the people will start feeling safe.”
Dr Naidoo emphasized that any new strategy would aim to protect both property and personal safety—two priorities consistently highlighted by residents.
The community has set a one-month deadline for police to demonstrate concrete action on their demands.