In a shocking turn of events, nine police officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Mochudi have been suspended over allegations of their involvement in livestock theft. The suspensions were confirmed by Police Spokesperson Near Bagali, who stated that investigations are underway to establish the truth behind the claims.
Independent investigations by The Midweek Sun revealed that several of the suspended officers were allegedly facilitating cattle theft through various means. The development has raised concerns over the integrity of law enforcement agencies entrusted with protecting the nation’s livestock.
Meanwhile, in a related incident, a well-known butcher and former teacher in Kanye, Wabone Matlhodi, was shot last Wednesday while being pursued by law enforcement. Authorities had been tracking him following the discovery of three cow carcasses in his butchery. Kanye Police Station Commander Vincent Pitseetsile disclosed that Matlhodi had a history of run-ins with the law, having been arrested multiple times in 2024 and 2025 for various offenses, including slaughtering cattle outside designated abattoirs.
Police have continued to seize beef carcasses from his butchery, ‘Wayside,’ though investigations revealed inconsistencies in the business documentation, indicating possible fraudulent activity. Matlhodi, who is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, remains under police watch as investigations continue.
The escalating cases of livestock theft have caught the attention of senior government officials, with Minister of State President Moeti Mohwasa expressing deep concern. He warned that the increasing crime could discourage Batswana from rearing cattle, which are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and economic fabric.
“Botshelo jwa motho ke kgomo, le tsentswe sekole ke kgomo, le nyetswe ka dikgomo, kgomo ke botshelo jwa Motswana!” Mohwasa declared, reinforcing the significance of cattle in Botswana’s way of life.
In response to the growing crisis, Mohwasa announced a National Crime Prevention Symposium set for March 19–20, where various stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to curb crime, including livestock theft. He also highlighted a disturbing trend in which criminals use falsified number plates to evade detection, often registering them under the names of unsuspecting individuals.
The recent suspension of police officers marks a critical step in addressing stock theft and restoring public trust in law enforcement. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of livestock farmers across the country.
