Hooves belonging to Mthobisi Cele's stolen cattle that were slaughtered in the grazing field in eMawuleni, in Port Sheptsone on the South Coast. The community is demanding intensified action from the police as incidents of stock theft rise.
Image: SUPPLIED
The community of eMawuleni, near Port Shepstone, is demanding intensified police action as stock theft incidents continue to rise sharply in the area.
In the latest case, thieves made off with seven cattle belonging to local resident Mthobisi Cele, leaving behind a scene he described as “like being buried alive”.
Cele said the theft was discovered when his cattle herder noticed, upon the herd’s return from grazing in the afternoon, that seven animals were missing.
“In our area, it is common practice for herders to open the kraal in the morning to allow cattle to graze freely, and then check on them when they return in the afternoon. There is no one watching them while they are out in the fields,” said Cele.
When the family went to investigate, they found only hooves and intestines at the grazing site — clear evidence that the animals had been slaughtered on the spot and the meat removed.
“We found the remains in the field, which showed that the cattle had been killed there and the meat loaded and taken away,” he said.
Cele reported the matter to police and was later informed of a suspicious discovery made the previous day in uMntwentweni, near Port Shepstone. A white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a punctured tyre had been found abandoned.
“Police told me the vehicle had no occupants, but when they searched the back they found a large quantity of meat and cow heads. When they showed me, I recognised that it was my cattle,” said Cele.
Further checks revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen at the Durban Central police station last year.
Cele expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of progress in solving such crimes.
“It is painful to lose livestock in this way. We report these incidents hoping the perpetrators will be arrested, but investigations often do not lead anywhere,” he said.
He added that his family is not the only one affected.
“My uncle lost four cattle at the end of last year. They were killed in the same manner in the grazing field. He had no leads, and although the case was reported, it remains unsolved.”
Cele believes the recurring pattern points to an organised group operating in the area, possibly with local collaborators. He estimates the value of his stolen cattle at approximately R120,000.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed that the Mehlomnyama SAPS is investigating a case of stock theft following the incident.
“Police investigations led officers to eNdundumeni, where they found slaughtered cattle with horns and hooves removed,” said Ndlovu.
Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage.