This is according to Willie Clack, Chairperson of the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum, following the arrest of four suspects.

Clack says the suspects are believed to have been involved in a spate of recurring stock theft incidents in the Nigel area. He says since July, thieves have made off with 40 head of stud breeding animals, with the loss in breeding value for the stud estimated to be in excess of R1-million.

Clack has applauded police involved in the arrest for going beyond the call of duty:

*Willie Clack thanks police

He adds, though, that more needs to be done to make the general public aware of the impact of stock theft, as well as the brutality:

*Willie Clack - brutality

He says there is a possibility of more arrests around this case, with the hope that information will lead to the arrest of the actual kingpin. He says the forum is also aware of problems in Ornajeville and Deneysville, as well as another case of stock having been slaughtered in this week in the area between Heidelberg and Vereeniging.

Images taken at the scene of the arrest can be viewed here on our Agri-Fokus blog. The photos are very graphic and not suitable for sensitive viewers.

Sabrina Dean/OFM News