Northern Cape police report, the suspects, who are between the ages of 26 and 56-years are alleged to have stolen thirty sheep from a holding in Dikweng village outside Mothibistad. 

The 65-year old owner of the livestock reported to local police on 27 December 2019 that his sheep was missing from his property. 

Coincidentally on the same day, police received a tip-off from a community member that led to swift apprehension of the suspects nearly seven kilometres away in Kuruman.

Northern Cape police reveal the tip-off not only provided the exact location where the stock was being kept, but it was also stated that the sheep were to be slaughtered that Friday night, with buyers already lined up to purchase the stolen meat. Several police units gathered together and stormed the location at 22:00 pm on Friday night. 

The suspects were allegedly caught in the act, as they were in the process of slaughtering 22 sheep. According to the statement, three knives were found at the scene.

The owner of the livestock was called in to identify the sheep, and he confirmed it did indeed belong to him.

Over the 2018/19 financial year, stock theft rose for the third consecutive year, rising by 2,9% to the concern of law enforcement officials. 

During the release of the crime statistics in September, the head of police crime research and statistics, Norman Sekhukhune, revealed stock theft saw the biggest increase in the property-related crime category, a category that saw a 2,5% decline overall, making stock theft the rotten apple in the bunch. 

Sekhukhune said the increase in stock theft needs to be addressed urgently. “Stock theft has been increasing across all nine provinces,” said Sekhukhune at the time. He adds that the value of the animals stolen is millions. 

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza, has added her voice to the war on stock theft expressing outrage at the number of stock theft that has been reported over the festive season. 

Police Minister, Bheki Cele has stated previously that stolen meat has often been found supplied to shisanyamas in the townships and local hospitals, a point Dididza echoes in her statement.

OFM News