Joint operations conducted between Wednesday, 14 and Friday, 16 February 2024, by various units under the Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) culminated in significant arrests and recoveries.
The operations were aimed at addressing crimes such as stock theft, vehicle theft, hijacking and murder cases through execution of various actions. As a result, 14 males, aged between 26 and 56, were arrested. Of the 14 suspects, 13 were held for stock theft and illegal hunting related crimes, while one was nabbed for theft of motor vehicle.
During the operations, 35 livestock, which included 21 cattle and 13 goats with an estimated value of R326 000.00 were confiscated. Additionally, seven different types of vehicles and two trailers, all worth R3 535 000.00 were seized.
The operation also led to issuing of 85 fines for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 and the Meat Safety Act, 2000, amount to R16 800.00. In order to ensure compliance with various legislation, 42 kraals, five farms and five auctions were visited and in the process, 60 goats and 155 cattle were checked. Subsequent to execution of these actions, seven enquiries were registered.
The teams also conducted compliance inspection by visiting of a chop shop where 90 vehicles were checked. Moreover, two scrap yards, two backyard mechanics and one panel beat business were visited. These actions resulted in the registration of 24 enquiries.
As part of engagement with members of the community and stock theft related matters, three awareness activities were held in Reivilo, Mahikeng and Stilfontein.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked all the members and other role players involved in the operations to ensure the arrest of alleged perpetrators and the recovery of livestock and vehicles.
