Three arrested near Bethal with recovered livestock worth R25 000

Three suspects appeared before Bethal Magistrate’s Court on July 26, on charges of being in the possession of stolen livestock.

The court case was postponed to August 1 for a formal bail application.

Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, spokesperson for Bethal police, said the police officers spotted a white BMW with a trailer while patrolling in the early hours of July 26, around Bethal.

The officers indicated to the driver to stop, but he failed to do so. The police kept following until they intercepted him.

The driver and four other occupants were inside the vehicle. The officers questioned the driver about the trailer contents, as it was locked and the police could not see what was inside.

The driver informed the police about the contents and the officers instructed him to open the trailer for verification.

“The officers found 13 goats inside the trailer and when asked about the reason for their possession and where they got the goats, one suspect ran away.

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“The driver informed the police that they stole them from a farm between Middelburg and Hendrina to sell in Bethal,” said Mogadime.

The driver then took the police to where the goats were stolen.

“The lawful owner could positively identify the stolen livestock as hers through an ear-tag identity.

“Bethal police are working tirelessly to create a no-go area for criminals. We want to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens by preventing and combating anything that may threaten the safety of any community, investigating crimes that threaten the safety and security of any community and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice,” said Mogadime.

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