Seven suspects were arrested after they were caught in possession of stolen live-stock recently.
According to police reports, while busy conducting a routine patrol along the R34 on November 10, Utrecht SAPS members, Captain Mpungose and Captain Msimang spotted a suspicious looking vehicle.
The members then decided to observe the vehicle for a while, which was occupied by four people.
Members eventually stopped the vehicle, with an intention of searching the vehicle and its occupants.
When searching the boot of the vehicle, members found four live sheep, with an estimated value of R6 000.
The occupants of the vehicle were questioned about the ownership of the sheep, and the reason for transporting the stock at night.
However, no valid or satisfactory explanations were given, and all four suspects, aged between 20 and 43 years respectively, were arrested.
The recovered sheep were entered on the SAP 13, and the vehicle was confiscated and kept at the police station as evidence.
Utrecht Stock Theft Unit were informed about the recovery, and they took over investigation.
They were currently investigating the case to determine whether it is linked to a recent stock-theft case, whereby 24 sheep were reportedly stolen.
All four suspects recently appeared at the Utrecht Magistrate’s Court.
In another stock theft incident, three more suspects were arrested in Utrecht after they were caught in possession of seven cattle valued at R70 000, which were reportedly stolen from a farm outside Utrecht.
The suspects aged 33, 44 and 67 years respectively, recently appeared at the Utrecht Magistrate’s Court, where information proved the suspects were previously convicted on stock theft related crimes.
However, the 67-year-old suspect was released from police custody due to bad health, while the other two suspects remain in police custody.
Stock Theft Unit members were commended fora job well done in curbing the escalation of Stock Theft.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Add us on WhatsApp today! 082 874 5550
and BBM pin D1EF333B.
You can also email our offices on Reveshni Douglas at reveshni@caxton.co.za Quinton Boucher at newsun@caxton.co.za Bruce Douglas at Newed2@caxton.co.za Tersia Gopi at newed@caxton.co.za Zianne Leibrandt at ncschools@caxton.co.za
