South Africa’s chickens are high on the country’s stock theft list, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo has pointed out.
In an article in Politicsweb focusing on the need to combat stock theft, Sihlobo noted that Stats South Africa had published stock the latest stock theft statistics.
Stolen goats topped with list, with 61 352 reported stolen in the 2024/25 year. Next was cattle (37 947) with poultry the third highest (36 486), followed by sheep (27 582).
These thefts came at enormous costs to farmers and agribusinesses, Sihlobo said. While other countries also experienced stock theft, their response had been increased collaboration between farmers and police services. The response level in South Africa could be much improved, he said.
Agriculture was key to South Africa’s long term growth agenda, but investment and the entry of young people into the sector would be deterred by high crime levels.
“Agriculture is an essential sector of our economy, with great potential for job creation and improvement of economic conditions in rural South Africa; therefore, ensuring that farmers are operating in a safe and sound environment is key.”
Police and organised agriculture should ensure that the issues of crime were “prioritised and addressed swiftly” Sihlobo said.
