DA welcomes major livestock crackdown in Ficksburg, calls for stronger enforcement against illegal grazing

Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Riëtte Dell and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here and here.

The DA Setsoto Caucus welcomes the decisive and sustained action by the SANDF, SAPS, and municipal officials following two successful livestock control operations in the Ficksburg area on 16 and 19 March 2026.

These operations, conducted by members of the 10 SAI Battalion and under Operation CORONA, highlight the growing challenge of illegal cross-border livestock movement and the importance of visible enforcement.

Key outcomes from both operations:

1. 58 cattle impounded near the New Graveyard area (16 March).
2. An additional 26 cattle and 66 sheep were found unattended in a public area and impounded.
3. 124 cattle impounded during a targeted follow-up operation (19 March).
4. Multiple herdsmen fled the scene, indicating clear non-compliance.
5. Owners failed to provide valid documentation, with mismatches identified.
6. All livestock was secured, processed, and impounded in coordination with authorities.

The total estimated value of livestock impounded is just over R2 million.

Fines were issued in line with municipal procedures, reinforcing that non-compliance carries consequences.

These incidents point to a systemic issue of illegal grazing and cross-border livestock movement, which poses serious risks to:

• Animal health and biosecurity, particularly under the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984
• Local farmers who comply with the law
• Municipal land and infrastructure
• Rural safety and economic stability

The DA Setsoto Caucus commends the professionalism, discipline, and coordination displayed by all role-players, including the SANDF, SAPS Stock Theft Unit, Municipal officials, and the Pound Master.

This is what effective governance looks like: information-driven operations, coordinated response, and decisive enforcement.

We call for:

1. Continued high-visibility patrols under Operation CORONA.
2. Strengthened livestock control, identification, and documentation enforcement.
3. Improved municipal pound capacity.
4. The urgent finalising of a formal quarantine and livestock control facility in Ficksburg.
5. Consistent by-law enforcement against repeat offenders.

Illegal grazing and cross-border non-compliance should not be tolerated. The DA will continue to push for practical solutions that protect our farmers, safeguard our economy, and uphold the rule of law.