Qacha’s Nek __ Seized animals at Ha Semenyane, Sehlabathebe die due to hunger.

“These animals, are seized when they have crossed the preserved lands (Mekhoabo), and are supposed to be captured for only two weeks before being taken to the police station if their owners fail to pay fine,” Stated Sehlabathebe Resource Centre Manager Sechaba Rakotsoane.

He stated that it is wrong for animals to die in Kraals in the presence of others.

“I talked to the people involved about this last year, that they should comply and see to it that they work hand in hand with farmers (the owners) for the safety of these animals. I only realized last week that there was a problem of animals dying in the kraal during capture. I immediately talked to the chairperson of the Organization responsible and he told me that the farmers no longer want to pay a fine. They wait for their animals to be dispatched to the police station and collect them from there without payment, so from my point of view those animals die because they have overstayed,” stated Rakotsoane.

However, the Chairperson of Organization of Pholiso ya Makhulo Mr. Thabo Monamatha stated that their work relationship with the farmers is okay because they understand that even if their animals die, it’s not the organization’s fault.

In an interview with the agency Monamatha emphasized that it is true the animals are allowed to stay in their kraals for two weeks awaiting their owner’s payment failing which, they are dispatched to the police station.

He therefore emphasised that animals dying is due to numerous reasons; they were already sick, they died because of hunger.

“Seized animals stay in kraals for only two weeks, after that we take them to the police station. So animals dying in there might be due to different reasons including hanger and sickness. And owners usually understand because it’s not our fault, so I would say our work relationship with them is okay,” said Monamatha.

Moreover, the agency managed to talk to District Animal Production Officer Mr. Litso’ane Mohapi who stated that he just heard about the dying of animals which is wrong but hopes to meet with involved stakeholders next week.