Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, has emphasized that the ear tagging of cloven-hoofed animals is a critical intervention in tackling stock theft. She identified the crime as one of the most persistent threats facing the livestock sector in the province.
Stock theft remains a significant challenge in South Africa, with the South African Police Service's annual crime statistics for 2024/2025 reporting over 25,000 cases of stock theft nationally. The agricultural sector estimates annual losses in the billions of rands due to this crime.
The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum and government initiatives advocate for ear tagging as part of a traceability system. Properly tagged livestock are easier to identify and recover, acting as a deterrent to thieves. The system is intended to support law enforcement and help farmers secure their assets.
While ear tagging is promoted as a key tool, authorities note that combating stock theft requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved rural security, community policing, and dedicated stock theft units.
