BARRAGE.- Police in Barrage have made a breakthrough in the fight against stock theft after recovering cattle worth R280 000 just hours after they were taken. The livestock was stolen from a plot in Barrage on Tuesday, triggering an immediate police response.

The Stock Theft Unit and the newly appointed station commander launched an immediate search operation following the report. Their efforts paid off when the missing animals were traced to Evaton, near Sebokeng.

Speaking to Ster, Barrage Police spokesperson Sergeant Sophia Gaboutlwele confirmed the recovery. She explained that teams were dispatched immediately, successfully locating the cattle in Evaton shortly after the theft.

Although the animals have been safely recovered, no arrests have been made yet, and a formal stock theft case has been opened as investigations continue.

Gaboutlwele appealed to anyone with information about a suspected syndicate to come forward and assist police.

This incident follows previous reports by Ster highlighting a growing stock theft problem in the area.

In March, four separate cases were opened after 24 animals vanished without a trace, including 15 sheep, five goats, and four cattle, with a combined value of nearly R100 000.

“In light of these ongoing incidents, owners must take responsibility for properly marking their animals to help police identify and recover stolen stock more easily in the future,” urged Gaboutlwele.