MACHADODORP – A Machadodorp farmer discovered shortly after 07:00 yesterday that thieves had stolen seven cattle after skillfully avoiding security cameras during the night of July 6.

Trackers followed a trail to a specific area yesterday afternoon, and CCTV footage confirmed the theft.
A drone was deployed to scout the area, but the animals were not found.

Vehicle and cattle tracks were found on the blind side of a CCTV pole, where it appears the cattle were loaded and then taken off the property.

The farmer received threatening calls from the suspects using various numbers and was advised to obtain a restraining order.

Anyone with information regarding the theft should contact the police on 013 256 0004.

Role players included SAPS Machadodorp, M18, JHD Security (Machadodorp), Hi-Tech Belfast, and VPS Dullstroom, who all assisted at the scene.

Stock theft remains one of the top crime prevention priorities for Mpumalanga police. Thefts don’t only include livestock but also agricultural produce like mielies, fruit and nuts.