Kokstad Stock Theft unit conducted their operations at Kokstad and the surrounding areas in a bid to curb cross border crimes, especially stock theft.
While patrolling their area, they followed up information about suspects who were driving suspected stolen cattle towards the Lesotho, South Africa border. The members spotted two suspects driving 16 cattle and two horses in the area. When the suspects saw the police, they allegedly fled the scene on foot and disappeared. 16 cattle were recovered and positively identified by the owner from Ntsikeni area near Umzimkhulu, South coast, as his animals.
The cattle were recovered before the owner knew that his animals were stolen. All stolen cattle were returned back to the owner and no arrest made.
The same unit recovered more stolen animals on the same day at Maluti area. The members were following up information about the whereabouts of stolen cattle from Swartberg area. They went to Maluti area where they recovered three stolen sheep and two goats. One suspect (25) was arrested and charged with stock theft.
The arrested suspect appeared in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court yesterday and the case was remanded for further investigation.
The police have received a number of complaints from the victims, especially stock theft related cases. Criminals will call the victims saying that their stolen livestock have been recovered and they must deposit an amount of cash so that their stock will be returned to them.
We would like to warn the victims of any crime about this scam. They must never deposit any cash to anyone. Police will never ask for cash in order to return recovered items whether it’s animals or any property. Victims must take extra precautions and must not entertain those requesting cash from them. There is a case that was opened at Nottingham Road police station where the victim was called by unknown person and told him that his stolen cattle have been recovered. He must deposit R2 000 cash to money market so that he will get his cattle back.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
