TLU SA extends its heartfelt congratulations and full support to Prof Andries Raath, regional manager of TLU SA in the Free State, on his election as Chairperson of the SAPS Free State Stock Theft Forum, a body aimed at fostering strategic cooperation between the SAPS, organised agriculture and other role players in the fight against stock theft.
Prof Raath describes the appointment as a calling and says it is personally important to him to contribute meaningfully during this critical time for agriculture. “We are not involved at TLU SA to pass the time, but to help keep our members on their farms, safe, profitable and sustainable, while also serving the broader community,” he says.
Stock theft has a devastating impact on the sustainability of commercial farming, especially in provinces like the Free State, where the red meat industry plays a central role in food security and job creation. Monthly losses due to stock theft in the province sometimes range between R5 million and R10 million. “We simply cannot afford for this crime pattern to continue,” says Prof Raath.
He emphasises that the purpose of the Stock Theft Forum is to establish an effective network of prevention through improved cooperation between the SAPS, state institutions and the private sector. “Our vision is clear, greater efficiency, better outcomes and an integrated strategy that works. But it demands collective involvement, no one can overcome this challenge alone.”
One of the biggest obstacles in combating stock theft is the underreporting of incidents. “When farmers do not report crimes consistently, the official statistics appear better than they are, and this affects the allocation of resources. We therefore urgently appeal to producers to report everything so that the full impact of stock theft on the sector becomes visible.”
Prof Raath concludes, “This work is part of Kingdom work. The fight against stock theft is not only an agricultural or security issue, it is about justice, responsibility and service to our communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way.”
TLU SA expresses its full confidence in Prof Raath’s leadership and looks forward to the strategic value he will add in this important role to organised agriculture and the safety of farmers.
