The 25 and 26-year-old suspects were arrested after police found 177 bags of maize seed which weighed 20 kg each, to the value of R850 000.

The Free State provincial spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says they will appear at the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court on Monday 16 August 2021.

"On Friday, 13 August 2021, one of the farmers in the Vierfontein district supplied information about unknown men selling maize seed. The operation was organised, and two men from Kgotsong, aged 25 and 26, were subsequently arrested," says Makhele.

The farmer blew the whistle on the men after he was allegedly approached by the two suspects selling maize seed.

A joint operation was then held which led to two arrests and the seizure of the seeds, Makhele concludes.

OFM News/Blaine Jones