One hundred and twenty one cattle, one hundred and eleven goats, fifty seven sheep and eight horses were recovered during a cross border operation conducted by police in OR Tambo District from 19 February 2021 to 9 March 2021.
The operation, supported by Provincial and King Sabata Dalindyebo traffic services is a direct response to the rise in stock theft ridden places like Bityi, Mthatha, Mt Frere, Libode, Sulenkama, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Tsolo.
The operation is targeted at combating stock theft, proliferation of illegal weapons and general crime. Its impact is expected to reach OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani districts.
Forty suspects (two females and 38 males) aged between 21 and 58 were arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen stock and possession/dealing in drugs.
The following were also recovered during the operation:-
Six firearms and 47 ammunition, thirty seven knives and five cell phones
In an effort to enforce compliance to road rules, three J534’s and thirty traffic fines amounting to thirty thousand six hundred rand (R30 600-00) were issued for different traffic offenses during the operation.
Twelve awareness campaigns were conducted during this period by local communication. One unlicensed liquor outlet was closed.
Two hundred and forty thousand rands (R240 000-00) worth of drugs were confiscated in the district namely crystal meth (tik), dagga, woonga and mandrax.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members for the breakthrough and affirmed the public that police will do their best to fight stock theft in the province. She implored the public to support this initiative with valuable information.
