30 May 2007
Eastern Cape MEC for Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Mr Thobile
Mhlahlo, will host an Anti-Stock Theft Imbizo at Mdibanisweni Administrative
Area Community Hall in Tsolo on Friday, 1 June 2007 at 09h00. The Tsolo and
Qumbu areas are both under the Mhlontlo Municipality and are notorious for
faction fights emanating from stock theft incidents, which occurred in the
early 1990s and resulted in almost 400 people losing their lives and the
displacement of families. This prompted the Presidential intervention, which
resulted in the restoration of peace and comfort through various government
service delivery programmes, including the building of a Community Court and
Police Station.
Unfortunately, the current crime trends indicate the unprecedented rise in
the cases of stock theft and crime statistics show that Tsolo is rated No 1 and
Qumbu No 2 nationally in stock theft cases. Since February 2007, there have
been 130 reported cases of stock theft, which included 368 livestock (49
cattle, 205 sheep, 110 goats, 4 horses). Already, 14 people have been
arrested.
As a result, the community of the entire Mhlontlo Municipality is living in
the state of fear of violence, which would resurface because of the stock theft
incidents. MEC Mhlahlo is expected to address this gathering and discuss the
best possible methods of combating this crime.
For enquiries, contact:
Ncebo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388/073 206 6569
Issued by: Department of Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape
Provincial Government
30 May 2007
