NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - Following a tipoff in the early hours of Monday morning, the SAPS stock theft unit’s quick action resulted in a group of three well known stock thieves being caught in the act, and subsequently arrested this week.
According to W/O Gerrie van Rooyen, a suspicious vehicle was reported on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg close to the Bethesda Road Station turnoff.
The stock theft unit was quick to react and three individuals were apprehended around 01:30.
Evidence of stock theft was found in the vehicle which was confiscated for forensic evidence.
On further investigation, slaughtered sheep were found hanging in trees at a nearby lay-by, and a number of carcasses were also found in the veld.
The three suspects were arrested on charges of alleged stock theft and will appear in court this week.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour in this regard:
- Stock thieves sometimes slaughter sheep in culverts that run under the roads.
- Stock thieves often operate when sports matches are televised, knowing that farmers are possibly in their homes.
- Livestock owners should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect their livestock. Patrols are a good idea.
- Loading ramps should be locked when not in use.
- Many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals – these disputes can be avoided with brandmarks or tattoos.
- Full moon, weekends and month end are vulnerable times as slaughtering for the pot often happens then.
- Co-operations with the SAPS and Stock Theft Unit will help curb this unspeakable cruelty and extreme financial loss.
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