Two cattle farmers from Labasa are mourning significant losses after their livestock were stolen and brutally killed, leading to a collective financial damage of nearly $10,000. Arif Hussein, a farmer from Valebasoga, reported the loss of three bulls over two months, with the first incident occurring on November 29, and subsequent thefts on December 20 and 27. After reporting these incidents to the Labasa Police Station, Hussein was devastated to later discover the remains of his animals near his farm.

“Seeing the brutalized remains left me in tears; these bulls were not just livestock but part of my family’s livelihood,” Hussein stated, mentioning that the losses have put him under tremendous financial strain with over $6,000 lost. He expressed his anxiety for his family, particularly concerning the educational needs of his children as they strive to maintain their farming business.

Another farmer, Mahaboob Ali, shared a similar plight, having lost a bull worth around $3,000. His bull disappeared on December 9, only for him to find its skin weeks later in the mountains. “No religion encourages such acts of theft and cruelty,” said Ali, underlining the emotional and financial toll these incidents have on farmers.

The Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that both farmers’ reports are being investigated, highlighting the broader issue of livestock theft in the region. This pattern of crime has raised concerns among local farmers, many of whom rely heavily on their livestock for their livelihoods.

Similar incidents of livestock theft have been reported recently, prompting the Fiji Police Force to ramp up community policing efforts. Assistant Commissioner Livai Driu noted a rise in theft complaints, which tend to increase during adverse weather conditions when thieves may take advantage of the situation.

These events underline the need for community vigilance and support during vulnerable times. The hope is that greater awareness and collaboration among community members and local law enforcement can lead to safer conditions for farmers and their animals, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding livelihoods and fostering a supportive community environment. The recent calls for empathy and understanding might resonate throughout the holiday season, urging everyone to appreciate the value of life, both human and animal alike.