Police spokesperson Thandi Mbambo says seven men and four woman where arrested on charges of trespassing.  

Mbambo adds that the situation was tense for a few hours when the community members barricaded a road with burning tyres and rubble. The situation has however been stabilised by police. According to information, the group started to measure out plots, on the farm belong to Andries Pienaar, as their ANC councillor allegedly gave them permission to occupy the farm. The accused are set to appear in the Virginia magistrates court soon.

Meanwhile...four alleged stock thieves, who were about to sell stolen cattle at an auction at Frankfort in the Free State, were arrested as a result of vigilant community members working closely with police in the Phtuhaditjhaba Cluster. Police spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring, says the suspects were spotted transporting the ten animals that were reported stolen by the owner of a farm in Harrismith on Friday. He says police followed up information received from the farming community that the stolen cattle, worth about R100 000,  is being transported to an auction the same day.

The suspects were arrested at the auction and are expected to appear in the Harrismith Magistrate's Court on charges of stock theft today. Three of the stolen animals are still missing. Mophiring appeals to communities to alert police when they spot suspicious vehicles transporting stock especially on farm roads and says farmers need to brand their stock.

And...the Wagyu Society of South Africa is having its first national elite cattle auction this week. CEO of the society, Michael Bradfield, says there is enough of an offering of the breed in the country to hold an auction.

Wagyu is a generic name for Japanese beef, snf is known for its high quality beef across the world. The breed was introduced in South Africa more about five years ago. Bradfield says there will be 50 lots on offer at the auction taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) at 14:00 at the Afridome in Parys in the Free State. A combination of red and black male and female animals will be up for sale.

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