Suspects Ready To Appear In Court Over Livestock Theft

Two individuals will appear in the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho on Monday, 11 April 2022, on allegations of stock theft and unlawful possession of firearms, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West.

The suspects, both 35 years old, took cattle worth R100,000, which was quickly recovered.

“On the evening of Wednesday, April 6, 2022, a shepherd went to check weird noises coming from a kraal in Majemantsho settlement outside Mahikeng. He caught two suspects loading animals off guard. The suspects fled the area after noticing the shepherd, leaving two trucks with trailers, five cows, one bull, and two calves behind.

Neighboring farms were mobilized, and two suspects, aged 35 and 26, were captured and handed over to the police as a result of their active engagement. “A firearm, as well as cattle worth an estimated R100 000.00, were found,” stated Colonel Adéle Myburgh of the North West SAPS.

In a separate incident, two suspects, aged 30 and 43, were apprehended for livestock theft in Mogwase, Rustenburg, following a successful intelligence-led operation. On Saturday, April 9, 2022, they searched two homes, leading to the pair’s arrests. They then seized a stolen meat cutter machine, a firearm, and three killed cows (all stolen from a local butchery in February 2022).

“The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the community and the police for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. He said that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars. He further urged the farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002)”

North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh