A joint operation by police units on Monday (27/7) led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of four calves with an estimated value of R28,000. North West police spokesperson Sgt. Kelebogile Morake said information about suspected stolen calves kept in a kraal near Old Tswelelang led to the operation.

Morake said it was established the recovered calves belonged to a farmer from the farm Skietpan in Wolmaransstad. “Obusitse Abel Mokgalagadi, 59, was detained and briefly appeared in court on Wednesday (29/7). “He will remain in custody until his next court appearance.”

The suspected stolen calves in North West. Photo supplied

Provincial management Maj. Gen. Ryno Naidoo praised the operation that resulted in the recovery of the stolen livestock. He said the police will continue working with farmers to combat stock theft, which remains a major challenge for rural communities and the agriculture sector.

The theft of livestock continues to place pressure on farmers and rural communities in North West. During the appointment process of the province’s new police commissioner, North West premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi identified livestock theft as one of the major challenges facing rural communities.“I think provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Arthur Peter Adams will have a firm view on how and what will be our strategy to deal with stock theft.” 

The problem extends beyond North West, with more than 43,000 animals reported stolen across South Africa between January and March, according to police crime statistics.

This highlights the ongoing impact of stock theft on farms and rural communities. The fourth-quarter crime statistics also show sheep were the most stolen livestock, with 16,815 reported stolen, followed by goats 11,403 and cattle 10,449.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm/dg

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