The suspect remains in custody as investigators work to identify the origin of the livestock. The Phokeng police were performing routine crime prevention patrols along the R556 road at 00:30. 

During the patrol, the officers observed a suspicious Ford Ranger. They stopped the vehicle at the four-way intersection between Sun City and Luka to search.

“The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and upon searching the bakkie, police discovered 26 goats loaded at the back. The driver failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or origin of the goats and was subsequently arrested,” said police spokesperson Lt. Col Sam Tselanyane.

The inspection of the goats revealed none of them had tattoo marks or identification branding. Because there are no physical marks on the animals, the police have not yet been able to return them to a specific farm or owner. 

The vehicle and the livestock were seized as part of the evidence for the upcoming court case.

During the patrol, the officers saw a suspicious Ford Ranger bakkie. Photo: SAPS

Acting provincial commissioner of North West Maj. Gen. Ryno Naidoo praised the police officers for their attention to detail during the night shift. He said the safety of the farming community is a major goal for the police service in the region.

The Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002) makes it a legal requirement for livestock owners to mark their animals with brands or tattoos. Naidoo reminded farmers following this law helps the police return stolen property to the correct people. Unmarked animals make it difficult for officers to complete stock theft investigations quickly.

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