By OBAKENG MAJE

A man was arrested for being in possession of carcasses of suspected stolen cattle in Vryburg. The accused, Tshokolo Alfred McCarthy (40) was arrested on 4 January 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said this comes after the police of Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) and K9 Unit, received a tip-off pertaining a possible theft of livestock. Mokgwabone further said, the police kept an observation until the suspects’ vehicle (GWM bakkie) was spotted in the early hours of Thursday morning in Market Street, Vryburg.

“Consequently, the bakkie was stopped at a petrol filing station for a search. Although two passengers evaded arrest, the driver was nabbed. At the back of the bakkie, the police found the carcasses, which were later positively identified by the Farm Manager through serial numbers on ear tags.

“The suspect’s vehicle was seized and the carcasses were handed over to the lawful owner. McCarthy was arrested and briefly appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen goods on 5 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.

He added that McCarthy was remanded in custody, while his case was postponed to 10 January 2024 for further investigation and possible bail application.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for rapid response and patience that resulted in the arrest relating to stock theft, which is a concern, especially in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

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