Mafikeng-based infantry soldiers traded their R4s for sticks to round up cattle worth more than R2 million illegally grazing on South African pastures along the Free State-Lesotho border as part of an intelligence-led operation in the Ficksburg area.
The 10 soldiers from the SA Infantry (SAI) Battalion responded to intelligence indicating the illegal movement of livestock – mainly cattle – from landlocked Lesotho to South Africa, as well as possible theft of livestock.
Coordinated patrols on March 19 led to 124 cattle with different markings believed to be illegally grazing on South African pastures, according to Captain Tshwanantai Tsolo, Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters Free State Operational Communication Officer. Some animals were branded to show Basotho ownership.
The foot soldiers secured the errant cattle before taking them to a controlled environment for further processing. Coordination with the SA Police Service (SAPS) Ficksburg Stock Theft Unit and poundmaster ensured correct handling procedures, proper documentation and transfer of the cattle, valued at R1 140 800, followed by the “capture”.
The actions of a second patrol, which also acted on intelligence from the same area, reported by Private N Julindlombe, also a staff member of the Free State Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters, has platoon three. Bravo Company of 10 SAI patrolling the New Graveyard area of Ficksburg and encountered a herd of cattle numbering over 50 with a herder present. He fled to the border on horseback, leaving his charges behind to be taken into custody – at the Ficksburg SAPS pound, as it were.
Herding their first “catch” to a holding area was interrupted when more livestock was sighted: 26 cattle and 66 sheep. According to Julindlombe, the owners arrived while the patrol was in the area. They reportedly failed to provide proof of ownership and the livestock was seized, with the owner ordered to report to the municipality of Ficksburg, where a fine – amount undisclosed – was imposed on the livestock worth just under R880,000.
The “decisive and sustained” actions of soldiers, police and Setsoto municipal officials during both livestock control actions elicited positive responses from municipal councilor Riëtte Dell. Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus in the municipality to which Ficksburg belongs, she said the successes, while welcome, pointed to a systemic problem of illegal grazing and cross-border movement of livestock. This in turn posed problems for animal health and biosecurity, especially when the 1984 Animal Diseases Act is taken into account.
She praised the professionalism, discipline and coordination of everyone involved, from soldiers to police and municipal officials, for what she said was “effective governance”. Included in this concept are information-driven operations, coordinated response and decisive enforcement.
Illegal grazing is common along the Free State-Lesotho border. In January, cattle worth R3.5 million, most of which came from Lesotho, were seized and confiscated by soldiers deployed for the permanent border protection task, Operation Corona.
The SANDF this week reported further successes from Operation Corona, with soldiers recovering more than R2 million worth of illicit goods in Limpopo. Members of the 1st South African Tank Regiment were patrolling the Zimbabwe border when they came across a Toyota Fortuner, valued at R1.4 million, which had been stolen from Krugersdorp.
In other incidents, soldiers seized illegal cigarettes worth R233,816 and a Toyota Hilux worth R36,000, which was transporting illegal medicines worth R22,080. The three occupants were arrested. Outside Musina, a Hyundai truck and trailer worth R390,000 and R60,000 respectively were seized for transporting livestock (goats and sheep), worth R84,800 and R37,800 respectively, without proper documentation. The suspects were arrested by the South African Police.
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