The authorities in Kapoeta North County in Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday returned 19 head of cattle that were raided from livestock traders in Kapoeta town last weekend to the rightful owners.
Two people were injured in the raid in which 20 head of cattle were stolen. The county authorities then constituted a joint team which included security personnel and local vigilantes to pursue the raiders and recover the cattle.
The commissioner of Kapoeta North County, Emmanuel Ephone, confirmed that 19 of the stolen cattle were handed to the rightful owners on Tuesday. He said the county authorities are still investigating the matter and that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
“Last Saturday, a cattle kraal belonging to livestock traders was attacked by the youth of Nauka Payam and they injured two and broke away with 20 head of cattle. After receiving the news, I informed the chief and the youth in the area to ensure that there is law and order there,” he said. “The youth followed the rustlers until Sunday evening and they were able to find these criminals and recover 19 cows.”
He added, “So, on Tuesday we were able to hand over these animals to the owners.”
Commissioner Ephone urged the communities to halt all forms of criminality and be law-abiding.
“We are pursuing the criminals because they are still on the run and we will arrest them they will be brought to book. Since the beginning of the year, this is the first incident of its kind,” he explained.
James Lochebe, a cattle trader in Kapoeta North County confirmed receipt of his cattle and thanked the county authorities and the vigilante youth for their efforts in the recovery of the cows.
“These cattle were stolen at around 7 pm at night last Saturday so we followed and on Sunday we managed to recover 19 head of cattle out of 20,” he said. “We thank the government because they handed over our cattle back to us yesterday (Tuesday).”
Lochebe called on the government to provide security along the roads for cattle and other traders.