The Bloemfontein police, in conjunction with a private security company, nabbed five stock theft suspects who were caught transporting sheep that were allegedly stolen in Van Stadensrus in the Free State.

Yesterday, at around 05:30, Highway Patrol members were on patrol on the N1 near Bloemfontein when they saw a suspicious Tata truck.

According to Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the suspects sped off.

“Park Road Client Service Centre members, also on patrol, were called to assist, and the vehicle was stopped on the Ferreira off-ramp,” says Kareli.

He adds that two suspects were arrested and 30 sheep were found.

“While members were busy with the arrest, they received another call for backup from Bloemfontein Stock Theft Unit members who were tailing a suspicious silver Toyota Hilux bakkie also on the N1. The vehicle was intercepted, and the driver collided with the roadside barriers while trying to evade arrest. Three suspects were arrested, and 15 sheep were recovered,” he says.

A total of five male suspects aged between 50 and 16 were arrested, and 45 sheep worth an estimated R90 000 were recovered from the two vehicles.

“Investigations revealed that the livestock was stolen from a farm in the Van Stadensrus area, and the owner was made aware. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon for possession of suspected stolen livestock and stock theft,” Kareli concludes.