Qacha's Nek chiefs met with their counterparts from Matatiele in South Africa recently as part of moves to combat stock theft. The meeting took place at the Principal Chief’s office at Rats’oleli.

On behalf of the Qacha’s Nek District Administrator Mr. Lebuile Rantletse said the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the correlation between the two countries. He said this could be achieved through negotiations and unity.

Superintendent Lethae Rammea, the police officer in charge of Qacha’s Nek, said such meetings are held regularly so as to find the remedy to prevailing stock theft. The meetings help in advising one another on how to prevent stock theft and crimes in general.

He went on to show that as long as chiefs, the police and all other stakeholders take part in stock theft, this crime will never come to an end. Superintendent Rammea stated that the other way to fight against this evil deed would be when chiefs say no to stock seen in their villages unauthorized. He said stock theft would come to an end if it is uprooted from the grassroots level and not fought at the later stage.

His counterpart from Maluti in Matatiele indicated also that chiefs seem to be reluctant to stamp their authority to eradicate stock theft. Superintendent Gcali emphasised that a chiefs' forum in the two countries was needed where chiefs would meet to discuss certain issues which need serious attention and resolution.

Chief Jerry Moshoeshoe from Matatiele said the low salaries of chiefs play a serious role in chiefs being involved in criminal offenses. This means that thieves give chiefs some inducement in order for chiefs to turn a blind eye to thieves' evil deeds. This brings about bending of rules where justice should be done. He appealed to all chiefs to do away with the unacceptable behaviour as they are servants of God.

On behalf of the Principal Chief of Qacha’s Nek, Chief Halekhethe Makhaola, showed his delight as a result of the successful meeting which materialized. He made it clear that the meeting came as a result of the unity of the two officers in charge of forces in the two countries. These two officers showed disappointment upon encountering difficulties when dealing with stock theft.

Chief Makhaola went on to say that he would feel very pleased if he could see all people joining hands in the fight against crime. He ended by appealing to all chiefs to indulge in transparency and togetherness in the development of the lives of the people in general.