By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 February 2026- Two suspects aged 35 and 37, were arrested for alleged possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft. On Thursday afternoon, 5 February 2025, police officers on patrol, spotted a group of community members at a garage in Tweelaagte village, near Mabeskraal.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said upon enquiries, it was determined that the community apprehended two suspects whose vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of meat in their possession. Myburgh said the suspects could not give proper account of the meat in their possession and the duo were handed over to police, unharmed, who immediately arrested them.
“Initial investigations done by Madikwe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, led to the identification of the owner of the slaughtered cow through it’s brandmark. The owner of this Brahman Cow reported that between 21 January and 5 February 2026, his cattle were allegedly grazing around Letlhakeng village in Mabeskraal and after returning to their kraal, two Brahman cattle were missing.
“The duo will appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026, on charges for possession of suspected stolen property and stock theft,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, thanked the community and the police for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest of the duo. Naidoo said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
“We further urge the farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). This is of huge assistance to identify owners of stock theft found as in this case,” he said.
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