STELLALANDER-MIGDOL: A disruptive operation conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema District by Provincial, Sannieshof, Stilfontein and Pudimoe Stock theft & Endangered Species (STES) Units as well as Mmabatho Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) on Thursday, 22 and Friday, 23 August, resulted in the arrest of three suspects for stock theft and possession suspected stolen stock.
The suspects’ vehicle with a trailer, loaded with eight Bonsmara cattle, was stopped at Witpan village near Sannieshof for compliance inspection. It was discovered that the driver and passenger did not have proof of ownership or transportation. Subsequent to the interview, it was discovered that the cattle were stolen at Migdol at Mr Van Vuuren’s farm.
The trio was arrested and the cattle were taken to Lichtenburg pound pending identification by the lawful owner. The team seized a Ford Ranger and the trailer which were used to commit the crime.
The accused, Aaron Kolobe (58), the owner of the car and the trailer, Sedupe Mantlhonyane (50) and Tshwarelo Kobokwe (58) appeared in the Sannieshof Magistrstes’ Court on Monday, 26 August.
They were granted R1000 bail each and the case was postponed until Thursday, 10 October. The operation also led to issuing of 69 fines for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Additionally, three camps, a communal camp and cattle posts around Kabe, Makgobistad, Mayeyane, Khunwana and Matshepe villages were visited.
