Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Stock theft is a growing problem in the province with three separate incidents last week, resulting in nine arrests. In the first incident, on November 15, 160 sheep were stolen from a farm in Hartbeesfontein. Four suspects were arrested, including a previous employee. It was a joint effort by Hartbeesfontein police and the local Safety Watch and all the sheep were recovered.
“Although the suspects escaped and evaded the arrests, they were later arrested after information regarding their whereabouts was received.
“Matshidiso Mokopela (23) and Motseothatha Daniel Moreo (21) were arrested by Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) and appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Friday November 17. The accused were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on November 24,” said Col Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson.
In the second incident, a farmer in Biesiesvlei discovered his kraal’s fence was cut and that goats and sheep were missing. Six suspects escaped in a Combi, but one of them was arrested. Ten goats and four sheep were discovered in the vehicle, while 16 goats were found at a loading place in the bushes. Investigation by Sannieshof STES, led to the arrest of another suspect later the same day. The pair, aged 24 and 25, were due to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court this week.
In the last incident, police received information of stolen sheep that were kept in Chris Hani Location in Wolmaransstad. Information further indicated that the sheep were loaded in a silver Mitsubishi vehicle. Subsequently, Crime Intelligence, Public Order Police (POP), Wolmaransstad police and Stilfontein STES operationalised the information and stopped a silver Mitsubishi vehicle with four occupants on the N12 between Wolmaransstad and Bloemhof. Upon searching the vehicle, a sheep was found in the boot of the vehicle.
The suspects were arrested after the occupants failed to account for the possession. Further investigations led the team to three addresses in Wolmaransstad where five sheep carcasses were found and another suspect was arrested. A total of five suspects, aged between 25 and 36, were expected to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on November 20, for possession of suspected stolen property.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the teams for their dedication, thorough investigation and diligence that resulted in the arrests. He urged farmers to ensure that their stock is marked in accordance with the Animal Identification Act.
