Alleged police involvement in stock theft is leading to authorities’ failure to effectively investigate incidents and contribute to rural safety in South Africa’s Free State province. Theft of cattle and sheep in the South Africa–Lesotho border region is centuries old and well documented. It is often explained by referring to the crime’s cross-border nature, but other drivers – specifically the apparent involvement of South African Police Service members – are equally relevant.
Free State farmers are selling their sheep by the thousands because stock theft syndicates are making it impossible for them to continue doing business.