Picture: The suspected stolen cattle seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Seven suspects were arrested for stock-theft in separate incidents. In the first incident that was reported on 13 January 2024, the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) police received a tip-off and that led to a cattle post in Nietverdiend, where five Bonsmara cattle were found without brand marks.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police seized the cattle and took them to a local pound. She said upon further investigation, tattoo marks were allegedly found inside the cattle’s ears, leading the police to the rightful owner who reported that ten of his cattle were stolen earlier this month from his farm in Zeerust.
“Consequently, the investigations resulted in the arrest of three suspects aged between 27 and 41 on 19 January 2024. The suspects will appear before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 22 January 2024 on a charge of stock theft.
“In another separate incident reported on 19 January 2024, the Ventersdorp police, with the assistance of local farmers, apprehended four suspects between the ages of 33 and 37 after being found in possession of suspected stolen solar panels,” she said.
Myburgh alleged that solar panels were stolen from a farm at about 8pm. She further said the suspects’ vehicles, a Toyota Yaris and Opel sedan were traced and spotted on the R30 road between Ventersdorp and Derby.
“The four suspects were nabbed after being found with 12 solar panels in their vehicles. They will appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 January 2023 for possession of suspected stolen goods (solar panels),” added Myburgh.
The Guardian 