Three goats were stolen in the Dududu area between Tuesday evening, September 4 and Wednesday morning, September 5.
One of the goats is believed to have been taken from its kraal in KwaLembe Ward while the other two were taken from the owner’s yard in Ovumaneni Ward, Dududu.
“Members of the community stopped a vehicle in Amandlalathi Ward in Dududu and interviewed the three occupants,” said Scottburgh Saps communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum, “They also found the three missing goats, which were identified by their respective owners, in the vehicle.”
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Members of the community gave chase and two passengers managed to flee the scene, leaving behind the driver, who was then severely beaten up.
The goats were removed from the vehicle, which was then set alight. By the time members from the Dududu Saps arrived, the vehicle was completely burnt.
The driver, who is said to be in his early thirties, then took policemen to Ngilanyoni Ward in Mid Illovu, where another 17 goats were recovered and positively identified by their owners.
The driver was arrested and appeared in the Vulamehlo Magistrates’ Court on charges of stock theft.
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Detectives from the Kokstad Stock Theft Unit are investigating the case.
The Ugu Cluster commander, Major General Sethenya Nxamagele, warned the public not to resort to vigilantism but to report criminal activities to the police and allow police to investigate cases and arrest the perpetrators. “Vigilantism is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated,” said the general.
The search continues for the remaining two men.
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