Siphelele Nketo 

THE impact of stock theft in the rural communities of Matatiele resulted in the formation of a forum called Vutha Theft Farmers Unity to combat the escalating crisis of cross-border livestock theft.

The forum was launched after a surge in stock theft incidents that severely impacted rural farming.

Last weekend, the forum marked six years of its existence at a ceremony in Maboa village in Matatiele.

Matatiele Local Municipality mayor Patrick Stuurman joined the ceremony and highlighted the importance of unity in confronting crime that threatens livelihoods.

He shared his personal account of loss, revealing that in 2020, 84 sheep were stolen from his homestead.

He said it was not easy to recover the livestock, mentioning that the stock was recovered as a result of the hard work of dedicated, brave villagers.