Central SA
Suspected stock thieves to appear in Free State court─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 08:46 Tue, 30 Jul 2024
“During the operation, police recovered 14 sheep carcasses, 23 live sheep, 11 lambs, a Toyota Corolla, four cellphones, six Lesotho passports, and three knives.”
Three suspects are set to appear in court in the Free State after they were arrested for stock theft.
The suspects, aged 32, 37, and 49, were arrested in Bultfontein on Sunday (28/7). Their arrests followed after a police investigation into a theft that occurred at the Martensrus farm where 40 sheep were reported missing.
‘The three suspects were apprehended while slaughtering sheep’
Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, said police received information about the theft at around 11:55. Upon arrival at the farm, it was confirmed that the sheep were missing. A preliminary investigation led to the discovery of footprints, which police followed for a considerable distance from the crime scene. The three suspects were apprehended while slaughtering sheep.
14 carcasses, 23 live sheep and 11 lambs were found slaughtered. Picture: SAPS
During the operation, police recovered 14 sheep carcasses, 23 live sheep, 11 lambs, a Toyota Corolla, four cellphones, six Lesotho passports, and three knives. The suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen livestock.
The slaughtered sheep. Picture: SAPS
In 2022, R4.5 million was allocated for risk management concerning stock theft in the Free State. This funding was announced by then Agriculture MEC, Thembeni Nxangisa, who highlighted the increasing demand for livestock products in developing countries compared to developed nations.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concerns about the low arrest and conviction rates for crime affecting rural areas, particularly stock theft and farm attacks. DA leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, emphasised that stock theft and farm attacks result in billions of rands in annual losses for the agricultural community. This community is already struggling due to high input costs, poor road conditions, increased electricity prices, and load-shedding.
Nxangisa has urged livestock owners and anti-stock theft patrollers to collaborate with the police by providing information that could lead to the arrest of criminals involved in such activities.
