A significant breakthrough has been made in a high-value livestock theft case after cattle worth nearly R500 000 were recovered in De Deur outside Vereeniging.

Early Thursday morning a local commercial farmer arrived at the local police station to report a chilling scene discovered on his property.

Upon waking, he found his cattle kraal empty and his herdsman’s quarters abandoned. Bloodstains on the floor suggested a violent struggle had taken place.

In response to the urgent situation, De Deur police swiftly assembled a team, including the specialised ‘Eye on the Sky’ unit, members of the Stock Theft Task Force, and local crime prevention officers.

Their co-ordinated efforts led them to a nearby plot where they discovered not only the stolen cattle but also other stolen vehicles.

The herdsman is also still missing.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Sedibeng cluster police spokesperson Captain Teboho Lephoto said: “Our search efforts, conducted with meticulous precision, led us to a plot where the cattle and several stolen vehicles were located. Unfortunately, the site was deserted upon our arrival.

“Suspect are still at large and sought by the police. Anyone with information should call [the Crime Stop number on] 08600 10111 or contact [the] De Deur Police Station on 016 590 9200.”