LIMPOPO – Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo says active assistance from members of the community in assisting the prevention of stock theft continues to bear fruit. 

Members of the Stock Theft Unit in cooperation with auctioneers successfully recovered 20 cattle that were stolen in Ga-Matlala in the Capricorn district. 

The cattle were recovered at an auction in Bela-Bela on Monday (August 2) and a man arrested. 

Meanwhile, Mojapelo says two other suspects were arrested on Sunday (August 1).

“A 72-year-old man was awoken by the sounds of his 18 cattle being led out of the kraal just after midnight in Sephukubje village, under the Sekgosese policing area in the Mopani district,” Mojapelo’s statement read. 

The man reportedly peeped through the window and saw a man lead the cattle out of the kraal, while another was seen in a vehicle using its headlamps to show the way.

“The complainant then notified locals and the police were called. The two suspects were immediately arrested and all 18 cattle were recovered,” he explained.

Mojapelo said the men’s motor vehicle was searched.

“Police found a rifle, torch and a knife and they were all confiscated. The vehicle, a Volkswagen Polo, was also seized,” he concluded.

The men are set to appear in the Sekgosese Magistrate’s Court and Matlala Periodical Court respectively on Wednesday (August 4).