Heidelberg SAPS, together with STS Heidelberg, has made further progress in the fight against illegal cattle slaughter that has affected farmers in Heidelberg, Balfour, and surrounding areas over the past few months.

A joint operation on March 6 between Heidelberg and Carnival City in Brakpan, just before the Driemanskap area, led to the arrest of another suspect believed to be linked to the syndicate responsible for recent incidents in the region.

Authorities suspect the individual may also be connected to a group of people arrested the previous week.

Investigations revealed that the actual illegal slaughtering occurred along the R51 near Karan Beef in Vereeniging.
The affected farmer has suffered significant losses in recent months due to repeated illegal cattle slaughter, confirmed Aubrey Delport, owner of Delport Securitas.

The suspect was travelling in a bakkie reported stolen in Kriel approximately two weeks ago.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the vehicle and its links to the syndicate. Farmers in the region are urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity or suspicious vehicles in rural areas.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they work to dismantle the syndicate believed responsible for the recent spate of illegal cattle slaughtering.

Delport added that STS Heidelberg continues to draw on its years of experience and dedicated stock theft unit to assist farmers and authorities in combating livestock theft and illegal slaughter.