Swift action and determination by the SAPS to rid the province of widespread stock theft, led to the recovery of twenty five sheep on Saturday, 13 July 2019 in the Avondale policing precinct at Mount Fletcher.
The sheep were reported stolen in the early hours of the morning. During the operation dubbed “Restore” and as the police units were patrolling the area as part of crime prevention, they were informed of a number of sheep that were hidden underground nearby a local farm.
On arrival at the scene, they indeed found the sheep alive and hidden in a dark hole. The sheep were later identified as belonging to a local farmer who reported them stolen earlier in the day. According to the owner, when he woke up in the morning, he noticed that the sheep were no longer in the yard. He immediately realised that they might have been stolen. During the investigation, police subsequently recovered the sheep and handed them over to the lawful owner.
The investigation continues into the whereabouts of those responsible for the theft of the sheep. No arrest made at this stage.
Police are appealing to the members of the community to expose those responsible for stock theft within and around their villages. They can do so by informing the local police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
All the information supplied will be kept confidential.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
