Brig. Tshepo Morapedi, police spokesperson, said the trio was each granted R2,000 bail during their initial court appearance on Friday (29/8). The arrests, which took place in Madibogopan village the previous day, followed a swift response from law enforcement after a livestock owner reported that his animals were missing. 

“According to information, the livestock owner realised in the early hours of Thursday morning (28/8), that his livestock was not in the kraal.  With the assistance of his brother and a neighbour, they drove around and searched until they spotted two vehicles: a Toyota Avanza and a Toyota Hilux. The said cars were later found along the road at Dithwaneng Section,” said Morapedi.

Police were immediately dispatched to the scene and found individuals loading goats into the bakkie. 

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Suspects fled from the scene

Morapedi further said upon seeing the officers, the suspects, except the driver of the Toyota Hilux, fled into the bushes. The female driver of the Avanza also drove off from the scene.

“The livestock owner identified 14 goats and four sheep as his own, and the driver of the Hilux was placed under arrest while the vehicle was confiscated,” said Morapedi.

A few hours later, at approximately 06:00, the Avanza’s driver arrived at the police station, accompanied by a man, and enquired about the arrest of the Toyota Hilux driver. Both were subsequently arrested in connection with the crime.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng

Commenting on the incident, the acting provincial Ccommissioner of North West, Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng, praised what he called the excellent work, crediting an alert owner and the swift response by police to the complaint.

“He instructed that both the bakkie and the Avanza must be seized and subjected to the instrumentality procedure,” said Morapedi

The three accused remain out on bail and are scheduled to reappear in court at the end of the month.

OFM News cvs