KEY POINTS
- The Polokwane Stock Theft Unit recovered six suspected stolen cattle at an auction in Mokopane after acting on intelligence, but tampered brand marks have delayed identification of the rightful owners.
- Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe urged farmers to brand their livestock and remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating stock theft.
- Authorities are appealing to cattle owners to come forward, providing contact details for Warrant Officer Malatji and other reporting channels, while investigations continue to address the broader issue of stock theft in the region.
The Polokwane Stock Theft Unit has launched a high-priority investigation following the recovery of six suspected stolen cattle at an auction in the Mokopane policing area.
The breakthrough came after the unit acted on credible intelligence information, leading to the confiscation of the cattle for further investigation.
Authorities discovered that the original brand marks on the animals had been tampered with, complicating efforts to identify their rightful owners. The cattle have since been moved to the Blouberg Municipality pound in Senwabarwana, where they will remain until the lawful owners come forward.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Limpopo police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning to livestock owners and farmers in the region.
She emphasized the importance of taking extra precautions to safeguard their animals, particularly by ensuring that all livestock are properly brand-marked.
“Branding is a critical tool in identifying and recovering stolen livestock. Farmers must take this step seriously to assist law enforcement in reuniting them with their animals,” said Hadebe. She also urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to stock theft.
Police Urge Livestock Owners to Assist in Ongoing Stock Theft Investigation
The Polokwane Stock Theft Unit is now appealing to cattle owners who may have lost their livestock to come forward. Warrant Officer Malatji, who is leading the investigation, can be contacted directly on 082 319 9532.
Alternatively, individuals can report information via the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or through the MySAPS App. The unit has assured the public that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Stock theft remains a significant challenge in rural areas, with criminals often targeting auctions and farms to sell stolen livestock.
The tampering of brand marks is a common tactic used by thieves to disguise the origins of the animals, making it difficult for authorities to trace their rightful owners. This case highlights the need for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement, farmers, and communities to combat this growing issue.
Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities are optimistic that further breakthroughs will be made. The recovery of the six cattle is seen as a significant step in the fight against stock theft in the region. However, Lieutenant General Hadebe has reiterated that prevention is key.
“While we are committed to recovering stolen livestock, it is equally important for farmers to take proactive measures to protect their animals. Together, we can reduce the incidence of stock theft in Limpopo,” she added.
