By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
May 2025 – An accused, Tshepang Motseretsere Sepinara (22), who is an alleged illegal immigrant from Lesotho, briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 2 May 2025, for possession of suspected stolen cattle. Sepinara’s court appearance follows his arrest on Wednesday afternoon, 30 April 2025, in Swartruggens.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police received a tip-off that led them to the Derdepoort T-junction, where members of Madikwe and Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units, pounced on Sepinara during a controlled buy-and-bust operation. Myburgh said during the arrest, the police seized five Bonsmara calves worth R100 000.
“The calves were positively identified through brand marks and handed back to the rightful owner. Sepinara was remanded in custody until 21 May 2025, for formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked and commended vigilant members of the public for providing the police with positive information that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the cattle.
“It is also a serious concern that an illegal immigrant was employed by the farmer in contravention of the law,” said Asaneng.
The Guardian 