Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, arrested 30-year-old Thatho Nhlapo who appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, for being in possession of suspected stolen cattle.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance before the same court on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.
Nhlapo’s court appearance followed his arrest on Monday, 17 April 2023, after a shepherd saw three males chasing two cows in an open field along the R509 road, close to Khuma.
The shepherd contacted his employer who mobilised farmers in the area.
Nlhapo was consequently arrested by the farmers and handed him over to the police.
The other two suspects are still at large.
Initial investigations determined that the cattle belong to a farmer in Free State Province.
A total of five cattle were stolen from his farm, but two were found abandoned in the field, two were recovered from the suspects while one is still missing.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police officers, Nature Conservation officials, farmers and members of the community for their respective collaborations that led to these successes.
