Limpopo agricultural top brass frustrated by “a new type of vandalism” at a multi-million rand broiler farm, suspects sabotage

THE Limpopo government-supported Sepitsi Broiler Farm in Lebowakgomo has been dealt a huge setback following extensive vandalism, with agricultural authorities suspecting deliberate sabotage.  

The vandalism – by unknown persons so far – happened this week as the farm readied itself to be commissioned to supply the Lebowakgomo Chicken Abattoir which was set to officially operate again in December this year.

Electrical cables, corrugated iron and specialised equipment worth millions of rand were stolen from six broiler houses.

Agricultural authorities said the timing of the vandalism was particularly concerning as it occurred shortly after premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and MEC Nakedi Kekana announced initiatives aimed at revitalising the abattoir.

The revitalisation of the abattoir hinged on the availability of broiler houses which have the capacity of producing 180 000 broilers per cycle.

Kekana, together with officials from other government departments including police, visited the farm where she expressed her frustration over the vandalism.

Speaking at the farm, Kekana described the act as “a new type of vandalism”.

“This is a huge setback because it hinders progress in terms of supplying off-take to the abattoir. We were envisaging opening the abattoir in December which will assist the local farmers to get a huge market.   

“Going forward, we believe the vandalism will not destroy our aim to ensure that our object, that by December we see our people benefiting out of the abattoir,” she said.

Police have launched an investigation.

Last month, a farmer in the Modimolle area lost 227 live chickens through stock theft after a cage was forcefully opened by unknown people at night.