Eight one arrests were made and 59 stolen livestock recovered during a combined 10-day police operation in the district.
Stock Theft Units from Glencoe, Utrecht and Ladysmith assisted by Glencoe K9 Unit, Visible Policing and Crime Intelligence conducted the operation in the districts of Dannhauser, Elanglaagte, Nhlanhleni, Glencoe, Newcastle, Osizweni, Utrecht, Dundee aimed at preventing theft of livestock, recovering stolen livestock and ensure that the community abide by the Animal Identification Act.
During the operation, cattle, goats, horses and sheep were recovered.
Those arrested during operation were wanted for stock theft, kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of dagga and contravening the Animals Identification Act.
Branded animals were returned to lawful owners and unbranded ones were kept for safekeeping. All suspects appeared in different magistrates’ courts.
“All livestock owners are urged to abide by the Animal Identification Act by branding their livestock to prevent them from being stolen and easy identification when found astray or confiscated from criminals,” said police spokesman, Col Thulani Zwane.