Residents Protest Against Rising Livestock Theft in KwaBhaca

Residents of KwaBhaca are raising their voices in protest against a wave of livestock thefts that have left communities in fear and farmers devastated. The town, located in the Eastern Cape, has reportedly recorded the highest number of stock theft cases in the country last year, prompting growing frustration with what locals say is a failure by police to act effectively.

Villagers say criminals are no longer afraid to steal in broad daylight, often arriving armed and threatening to shoot anyone who attempts to stop them. “People fear for their lives because the criminals are known, and they arrive at gunpoint. They even promise to shoot anyone who tries to stop them during their operations,” said one resident.

In response to the escalating crisis, community members have organised a protest near the KwaBhaca municipal offices. They are demanding urgent intervention to stop the thefts and bring the perpetrators to justice. Chairperson Mbadela Nomgaga, speaking on behalf of the protest organisers, said, “We have invited the police, commanders, regional officials, and councillors to come and advise us on how to protect ourselves and our livestock.”

Tensions reached new heights following a reported shootout between police and livestock thieves in Matyeni location, where suspects escaped with stolen goats despite a police roadblock. The incident has sparked allegations of bribery and collusion, with locals questioning how armed thieves were able to evade capture.

Calls for the establishment of a community livestock monitoring forum have intensified.

We must do something as residents of all the villages in KwaBhaca, because the police will continue to fail us. We should gather a forum to monitor the livestock, – said a concerned villager.

However, others remain cautious, noting that past efforts to form such forums have ended in tragedy. “As much as we need the forum team, we’ve witnessed forum members being killed. The police always say they’re investigating, but there is never any success,” added Nomgaga.

Two female goats believed to have been stolen were recently found near Zibokwana location, exhausted and traumatised after being chased by horses during the theft. The discovery has further highlighted the cruelty and violence often involved in these crimes.

Residents say the time for promises is over. They want action, accountability, and safety restored in their villages—before more lives and livelihoods are lost.