Security officers shot at while intercepting stock theft syndicate
A Security official sustained a gunshot wound while intercepting a stock theft syndicate that for months has been terrorising the farming community.
Mornè Potgieter of Ithemba Security confirmed that on Saturday, October 26, a coordinated sting operation was set up involving Ithemba Security’s Farmwatch and Tracing Team, the Newcastle SAPS K9 Unit, SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence, and members of the local farming community.
The operation led to the arrests of three suspects involved in a string of sheep slaughtering incidents.
Potgieter said intelligence indicated that the suspects were making their way to the KwaZulu-Natal/ Free State border on the R34 with plans to carry out more slaughtering.
“Members responded swiftly, tracking the suspects on foot and identifying the slaughtering location,” said Potgieter.
Three suspects were spotted in the area, loading five sheep carcasses into a sedan motor vehicle and then proceeded to speed off in the direction of Newcastle.
“The information was relayed to members of Newcastle SAPS K9 Unit and Newcastle and Memel Farmwatch units who set up a roadblock to intercept the suspects.”
Operational members spotted the vehicle and were able to bring the vehicle to a halt, prompting an immediate arrest.
One of the suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. The members gave chase after him, resulting in a shootout between them and the suspect.
One of the operational members sustained a gunshot wound and had to be transported to Mediclinic Newcastle. The suspect was caught and arrested.
All three suspects were placed under arrest and five slaughtered sheep were found in the trunk of their getaway vehicle.
Further investigations are underway to link the suspects to other reported incidents of stock theft.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
