A police officer was arrested in Standerton on August 29 in connection with stock theft to an estimated value of R450 000. The 34-year old police officer, serving at Standerton’s stock theft unit was arrested after stock worth nearly half a million was seized.

AfriForum welcomes this arrest, but emphasises when a member from the stock theft unit is involved in this type of crime, it renders a serious blow to the public’s trust in the police.

According to Hennie Bekker, District Coordinator of AfriForum Hoëveld, this officer is suspected of stock theft that took place in the Standerton, Greylingstad and Perdekop areas since March.

“The alleged involvement of this officer with stock theft is concerning due to his position in the stock theft unit. He was appointed to investigate stock theft in the area, but misused the information he obtained to enrich himself in the process,” stated Bekker.

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“According to SAPS statistics, there have been more than 53 000 cows stolen nationwide in the last financial year.”

Bekker said these cases of theft put immense pressure on farmers, forcing them to spend more money to protect their stock.

According to Bekker, the battle against stock theft is not lost.

“We are grateful for every police officer who works hard to fight crime – and in this case stock theft – Cooperation between the SAPS, residential initiatives such as AfriForum’s patrol groups are crucial in the fight against crime,” concluded Bekker.

The policeman appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on September 1.

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