By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
27 June 2025 – Six people were arrested by the Mabeskraal Visible Policing members for stock-theft and possession of 22 suspected stolen goats worth R34 000. The accused briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 26 June 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused, Katlego Rammekwa (19), Robert Moloto (30), Mthokosize Mkhize (38), Mzilikazi Khumalo (34), Thabo Moalosi (37) and Thapelo Motaung (27), were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 24 June 2025, in Makweleng Section, Mabeskraal village, outside Rustenburg.
Mokgwabone said the police received a tip-off and allegedly stopped the accused’s vehicle at Makweleng Crossroad, then conducted a search and discovered 22 goats inside a trailer pulled by a silver Toyota Hilux single cab vehicle.
“The police arrested the accused after failing to account for the livestock and confiscated the vehicle and the trailer. All accused are expected to make a second court appearance on 8 July 2025, for a bail application and legal representation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, which is predominantly rural and agrarian had prioritised its operations to combat, prevent and detect widespread incidents of stock theft by strengthening crime prevention partnerships initiatives under the Community Policing and Rural Safety Strategies.
“The arrests of these suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen livestock, is therefore an affirmation of the importance and effectiveness of collaborative crime prevention partnerships.
“While the arrest of the suspects is welcomed and appreciated, it is important to note and concede that the threat to food security and livelihoods posed by ubiquitous theft of livestock will only be addressed by arresting unscrupulous speculators, auctioneers, feedlot owners, abattoirs and other markets for stolen stock,” said Asaneng.
He said all of them are the real beneficiaries of this lucrative illicit economy.
The Guardian 