KwaZulu-Natal Stock Theft Units in the Uthukela region conducted operations from  November 22 to December 4 aimed at eradicating stock theft,  recovering stolen stock and ensuring that that the community abides with Animal Identification Act.

The operation was conducted by stock theft units in Ladysmith, Glencoe, Wasbank, Dannhouser, Dundee, Colenso, Ekuvukeni and surroundings areas. Twenty-eight suspects were arrested for stock related offences and they appeared in various magistrates’ courts. During the operation, fifty-eight head of cattle were recovered including cattle, goats, sheep and horses. Recovered livestock were taken back to their lawful owners and unmarked ones were kept for safe keeping.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded Stock Theft Units for conducting the operation which will assist in rooting out stock theft in the province.

“We will continue with these operations and we urge the community to make sure that they abide by the Animal Identification Act by marking their livestock,” she said.