Six male suspects aged between 25 -38 were arrested and charged for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen stock after being found with six sheep carcasses as well as the remains of slaughtered sheep packaged in plastic bags with an estimated value of R45 000.00.
This arrest and recovery occurred at Bedford on Wednesday, 13 November 2019.
The arrest came after Cradock Stock Theft Unit followed up on intelligence driven information. Twenty five sheep that were stolen at a local farm in Bedford were discovered to have been slaughtered near the Auction Grounds. At least twenty one sheep hides were discovered with their heads, hooves and intestines removed.
All suspects are expected to appear at Bedford Magistrate’s Court on 15 November 2019, facing a charge of stock theft and possession of suspected stolen meat. Three suspects are still at large and attempts to trace them were unsuccessful, however detectives are following leads and further arrests are imminent.
Cradock Stock Theft Unit members are hardworking and diligent in curbing this crime. The team members serve the following towns, Cradock, Middleburg, Hofmeyer, Tarkastad, Adelaide, Bedford and Cookhouse and have arrested eighty suspects since July 2019.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Ntshinga welcomed this speedy arrest and encouraged the Investigating Officer to ensure that bail is opposed. She further instructed the detectives to conduct investigation meticulously with exact precision to ensure a successful prosecution.
“Our efforts to fight the rampant stock theft will be fruitful when our arrests are turned to successful prosecutions. That would make a great impact in the fight against crime. We must remember that the rise in stock theft is a threat to the national economy and food security,” said Lt Gen Ntshinga.
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