Cattle raided on Swartklip farm

Swartklip/ Rustenburg – Apparently, about 80% of all livestock theft in South Africa involves some form of organised crime.

It costs the country billions of rand each year, is detrimental to our economy and has crippled many a farmer. What is a farmer to do if he loses R500,000 worth of livestock? Not to mention the hard work, love and time that went into their breeding and upkeep.

 
Late on Sunday 9 January or early on Monday morning, 10 January, stock thieves gained access to the Kameelhoek farm located next to a mine in Swartklip. Twenty calves aged 2-6 months, and nine cows were stolen. 

Gustav du Toit breeds pedigree Simmentalers. His cattle, which are all registered, were marked with yellow ear-tags and branded BH, GH, and CE – except for the really young calves. He lost an estimated R500,000 worth of livestock. Local authorities, community crime fighters and trackers were summoned to assist with the search. Tracks were followed to an informal settlement behind the mine, in Spitskop, but to no avail. No vehicle tracks could be found. A helicopter was also used in the search. 

A farmhand discovered the cut fence and as word of the stolen livestock spread on social media, two neighbouring farmers also reported that their fences were cut. 

Gustav du Toit, from Rustenburg, opened a case at the Northam police station. He also informed auction houses. Besides his cattle, Gustav has not yet determined if any of his game is missing. In an interview with Gustav’s mother, Elsabe Heuer said: “Over the past five years, we poured our blood, sweat and tears into our farm. It hurts to hear the cows calling for their calves.” 

Cows are remarkable creatures. To most people, they represent nothing but food products, but it turns out, they love being mothers and have remarkable maternal instincts. Research show that cattle are intelligent animals with deep cognitive and emotional lives.

If you have any information that can help track the stolen livestock, please contact:  
• Gustav Senior: 083 519 1992
• Gustav Junior: 072 509 7466
• Elsabe Heuer: 082 773 7196

Photo: Du Toit’s Simmentalers were marked with yellow ear-tags and branded BH, GH, and CE. 

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