THOHOYANDOU - The Department of Agriculture in the province has dismissed its Chief Animal Health Technician after a disciplinary committee found him guilty.

Nthambeleni Caiphers Tshikororo was suspended in January this year, following allegations of being in possession of stolen livestock from Zimbabwe. During that time, there was an outbreak of foot- and mouth disease, which posed the threat of an outbreak of this dreadful disease in the province.

Another two officials, Edmann Pandelani Neluvhani and Hector Tuwani Mugwedi, were suspended after they were found in possession of livestock from the local area without the right documents.

The department's acting spokesperson, Thembi Makhuvele, said Tshikoro was given a letter of dismissal with immediate effect, due to "dereliction of duty instead of putting efforts to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease, he posed a threat by being in possession of livestock from Zimbabwe, without proper permits," said Makhuvele.

The other officials, Neluvhani and Mugwedi, were given final warnings for being in possession of local livestock without the proper documents, as they were responsible for issuing and recording such documents.

Makhuvele said they hoped such measures would send a strong message that the department will not tolerate officials who deliberately use their position to enrich themselves illegally and at the expense of the livestock industry.