Apel: Alleged goat thieves remanded in custody
Two men were remanded in custody after their first court appearance in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court following an incident where 19 suspected stolen goats were recovered in Apel.
The Apel police arrested two men after they were found transporting 19 suspected stolen goats on November 25.
Thapelo Sediba Taba (38) from Madibong in Jane Furse and Phahla Khampepe (21) from Lesotho, appeared in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday), facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen livestock.
During the court appearance, the case was postponed to December 2 for formal bail applications, and both suspects will remain in custody until then.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift response of the Apel policing team after the arrest of the two suspects, and urged communities to remain extra cautious as the festive season approaches.
The arrests followed as a result of a police patrol in the area. Police noticed a suspicious white Mazda bakkie loaded with goats and stopped the vehicle. The occupants failed to provide proof of ownership of the livestock and were arrested on the scene.
“We are entering a period where criminal activities often escalate due to increased movement and festive season activities. We urge our communities to remain vigilant, safeguard their livestock and properties, and report any suspicious behaviour to the police without delay,” said Hadebe.
• Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the recovered goats have been identified by the lawful owners.
