DISANENG VILLAGE, NORTH WEST — Residents of Disaneng, a small farming community near Mahikeng close to the South Africa-Botswana border, say they have endured persistent stock theft for more than 25 years with minimal police support, and have accused local law enforcement of colluding with theft syndicates operating in the area.
During a community meeting held in Disaneng with acting Police Provincial Commissioner Dr Ryno Naidoo, residents emphasized that while crime in general remains a challenge, stock theft is their primary concern. Community members recounted repeated incidents where reports to police yielded no results, and alleged that evidence often disappears after cases are filed.
One resident described losing sheep, household goods, and cattle gradually before thieves returned to take everything. “I reported the case and found them at the farm. They came back and took all of them. I know the people who took them and I open cases against them and they never got arrested,” the resident stated.
Another account detailed the theft of nearly 17 goats. Police reportedly responded, documented tire tracks and footprints leading to suspects, and even identified five individuals allegedly responsible—yet no arrests followed.
Community members further alleged that theft syndicates operate organized networks, including designated meeting points to plan raids and holding camps where stolen livestock are loaded for transport.
Local tribal authorities expressed deep disillusionment with law enforcement. “Myself and members of the community have lost confidence in the police,” one representative said. Residents noted that although many cases are formally opened, investigating officers rarely provide updates, convictions are virtually nonexistent, and families are seldom informed about court outcomes. “People just go to police station for formality,” one community member observed.
In response, Dr Ryno Naidoo, acting Provincial Police Commissioner, acknowledged the concerns raised. He indicated that police are considering implementing a “traditional policing” model already within the South African Police Service framework. “This is a far-flung rural area; the police station is not so near and maybe the capacity also is not sufficient to address some of the challenges,” Dr Naidoo explained. “We are going to explore all this together with the community and with the traditional leaders so that eventually we can put a form of policing here where the people will start feeling safe.”
Dr Naidoo emphasized that the proposed approach would address both property protection and personal safety concerns raised by residents.
The community has given police a one-month timeframe to demonstrate tangible progress on their concerns.
