The Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, led an oversight visit throughout various locations in the Free State.
John’s visit aimed to engage with communities on several urgent issues, including stock theft, infrastructure challenges, and border security. His first stop was Thaba Nchu in Mangaung, where he interacted with the farming community regarding stock theft.
Farmers expressed their concerns about the increasing incidents of stock theft, where their sheep and cattle have been stolen and either slaughtered or taken across the border to Lesotho. The Thaba Nchu farmers called for John’s intervention, urging him as the Minister of Agriculture to assist them in combating stock theft, which has resulted in significant losses for them, both in terms of livestock and finances.
Farmers reported that although they open cases, insufficient action is taken as criminals are often arrested and released within a day, permitting the continuation of stock theft. One small-scale farmer mentioned losing around 19 sheep to thieving, emphasizing that the issue remains a major concern in his area, where he feels police efforts are lacking.
According to the DA leader, stock theft is a serious crime that should be addressed with the same urgency as cash-in-transit heists, murder, robbery, and other serious offenses due to its economic impact on the affected communities.
While addressing the Thaba Nchu farmers, John reiterated that stock theft is not considered a priority; he emphasized that those involved are organized armed criminals who may collaborate with individuals within the system.
John stated his plan to meet with Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, where he would present documentation highlighting the need for prioritizing stock theft issues.
“When we catch the thieves behind stock theft, they should go to jail for a long time. It can’t be that they are taken to the police station and three hours later released. This allows them to continue stealing. We need harsher sentences for stock thieves,” he remarked.
The next stop on John’s oversight tour was the troubled Tweespruit/Excelsior road, where millions have been spent yet the road remains in poor condition. He was briefed on the controversy surrounding the road, including allegations of corruption linked to the contractor, Patric Phuti, who revealed potential corruption implicating Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Lawrence Mathae.
This road is significant for local business operations. John’s final stop was in Ladybrand, where he met with farmers in a meeting. This provided an opportunity for farmers to voice their concerns directly to John, addressing issues such as stock theft and land expropriation among others.
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