The department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has urged farmers who bought any livestock from an auctioneer from Limpopo to come forward. This follows the arrest of the auctioneer from Vleissentraal who is accused of transporting animals infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from quarantined farms in the Molemole district to unaffected areas.
The department’s Reggie Ngcobo has confirmed that the 30-year-old male suspect has been released on bail with strict conditions and is due back in court on March 23. “The suspect was charged with alleged contravention of the Animals Diseases Act of 1984 (Act No 35 of 1984),” said Ngcobo.
Department minister Thoko Didiza said that outbreak of FMD in the Limpopo province had had a devastating effect on the economy with the most severe effect on the red meat industry.
Vleissentraal has not responded to requests for comment.
