Five male suspects appeared in the Hopetown Magistrates Court on 18 and 19 November 2020 for alleged stock theft. The Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit with the assistance from various units in Hopetown followed up on information that resulted in the arrest of five suspects between 17 and 18 November 2020 in Steynville, Hopetown.
Police also recovered two of the four sheep allegedly stolen from a farm near Hopetown, recently. A vehicle was also confiscated as it was allegedly utilized in the commission of crime. The suspects appeared briefly in court and they were remanded in custody as the cases was postponed for 14 December 2020.
Police are requesting the adherence of the following stock theft prevention tips, especially in view of the coming Festive season:
Livestock producers must mark/tattoo stock according to the Animal Identification Act to enable SAPS to return stole stock if found.
farmers must count their stock regularly and keep a livestock register.
farmers must regularly inspect fences and gates to restrict access to thieves
farmers must also join stock theft prevention forums in SAPS, local farmers WhatsApp groups and Agri SA’ s farm protocol and visitors registers can also be utilized.
farmers must pass on information about suspicious looking vehicles and persons to the SAPS.
farmers must report all alleged stock theft incidents to SAPS.
cameras placed on main access routes or at large grazing camps if possible.
REMEMBER: Your safety is important, so take care and fight crime without compromising your safety. Be safe today, be alive tomorrow.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
