Police efforts to fight stock theft and trade in stolen meat were rewarded when members of the Aliwal North STES (Stock Theft and Endangered Species) Unit arrested three suspects and charged them for stock theft at Steynsburg on 3 June 2020.
The arrest happened after positive information was received about suspected stolen meat that was kept in a house at Greenfields location, Steynsburg.
The information was followed up and three sheep skins were found in the house and three suspects aged between 25 and 32 years were arrested. Upon further investigation a sheep head was found while someone was busy cleaning it on the fire.
The registered tattoo marks were still clear on the ear and this helped to positively identify the lawful owner easier.
A fourth suspect linked to this case was arrested in Aliwal North on 9 June 2020.
All the four suspects appeared in the Steynsburg Magistrate Court on 10 June 2020. The case was remanded to 17 June for bail application, the suspects remain in custody.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga was pleased with this arrest. “Stock theft has become an intricate crime and each and every arrest is important as it is a blow to this illicit trade. We continue to encourage stock owners to properly mark their stock for easier identify. We also plead with the public to stop supporting stock theft and buying stolen meat,” she said.
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