Police Perspectives on Livestock Theft Prevention in South Africa: Rural Policing Challenges, Community Engagement and Policy Implications

Abstract

Livestock theft remains a serious rural crime in South Africa; however, the perspectives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) officers combating it are seldom explored. This qualitative-dominant fixed-methods study draws on surveys and interviews with 33 officers from Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units across all provinces. Using rural criminology, police legitimacy and procedural justice frameworks, it examines officers’ experiences, challenges and views on Livestock Theft Prevention Forums. Ten key themes emerge, including persistent shortages of staff, vehicles and investigative resources; weak compliance with identification laws; uneven stakeholder participation; interpersonal and racial tensions; and communication barriers that hinder trust and cooperation. Officers noted the benefits of technologies such as WhatsApp groups, closed-circuit television (CCTV), drones and the Eyes and Ears (E2) initiative, but also that offenders adapt to more organised and violent strategies. The study highlights how structural constraints and legitimacy issues shape prevention outcomes and offers practical reforms to strengthen police capacity, legal compliance, technology use and rural safety collaboration.