eMbalenhle SAPS warn farmers of stock theft spike
Two local men were arrested for possessing suspected stolen meat valued at R100 000.
The eMbalenhle SAPS warn farmers in and around the area to be vigilant following a recent spike in stock theft cases.
According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, the eMbalenhle SAPS spokesperson, the area has recorded several incidents of stock theft in recent weeks.
She urged farmers to work closely with the police to curb the crime.
Mthethwa said that in a case reported on November 2, a farmer lost livestock valued at about R110 000. He went to his kraal to check on his animals and noticed that five cattle and four calves were missing.
The following day, still without leads, the farmer came across a Ridge Times social media post showing an arrested suspect with a bakkie loaded with slaughtered livestock.
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He followed up at the Leandra Police Station, where he confirmed that the brand mark on the recovered meat belonged to his family.
Two local men were arrested for possessing suspected stolen meat valued at R100 000. The arrest took place on the N17 between Leandra and Devon during a police operation by the Leandra SAPS.
The police noticed a bakkie with a canopy driving towards Devon and chased it until it stopped. The driver allowed officers to search the bakkie.
Upon searching the vehicle, the police found five carcasses still inside the skin and covered with grass, indicating that the cattle were recently slaughtered.
The driver had no valid explanation for having the meat. The two men were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, and the vehicle was impounded.
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