A Petrusville suspect (33) will appear in the local Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (22/7) on charges of theft of livestock after he stole a sheep on a farm in Petrusville.

The suspect was arrested on Monday (14/7) when a local small-scale farmer noticed one of his sheep missing and requested police intervention. Police traced the suspect to a residence where they discovered a sheep carcass and skin matching the description provided by the farmer.

“The incident occurred between Sunday and Monday, and the suspect was apprehended immediately,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Timothy Sam.

“We urge farmers and livestock owners to implement safety tips to help prevent stock theft on their farms.”

Safety tips to prevent stock theft:

• Avoid employing undocumented individuals. Ensure all employees are properly vetted and documented to assist with investigations if necessary.
• Make use of community helplines established in partnership with SAPS, farmers' unions, and local communities.
• Brand livestock under the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Visit the SAPS Stock Theft Unit to obtain branding application forms.
• Immediately report unfamiliar animals or suspicious individuals at grazing or kraal sites to SAPS and your neighbours.
• Consider installing CCTV cameras and other security technologies.
• Conduct regular livestock counts at least once per week.
• Be especially vigilant during full moons, weekends, month-ends, and other high-risk periods.
• Maintain an up-to-date and thorough stock register.
• Personally inspect livestock rather than relying solely on employees.
• Ensure all fences and gates are in good condition and regularly maintained.

Farmers are urged to brand their livestock. Photo: Supplied/Northern Cape police

Meanwhile, Melvin Vilander (37) will appear at the Upington Magistrate’s Court soon after he allegedly smuggled the meat of two cattle into South Africa from Botswana on Thursday, 26 June.

The transaction took place over the borderline fence of South Africa and Botswana without legal documents. “The accused could not provide a reasonable explanation for being in possession of the meat,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Omphile Masegela.

“The meat that was recovered was valued at R13,000, and the suspect was released on R1,000 bail.”

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