KOMANI police are warning farmers in the Chris Hani region about a rise in livestock theft in the area.
This comes after a crime intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of three suspects in possession of suspected stolen sheep in Mlungisi Township, Komani, on Monday.
According Komani SAPS cluster spokesperson, Captain Namhla Mdleleni, Flying Squad officers quickly responded and on arrival they were directed to various houses. “A search was conducted and eight live sheep and a carcase to the value of R13 500 were recovered,” she said.
Three suspects, between the ages of 31 and 44, were immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen livestock.
“The suspects are expected to appear before the Komani Magistrate’s Court this week, facing charges of stock theft,” said Mdleleni.
She said branding on the sheep proved that they were stolen from the Bridge Camp policing area near Cofimvaba.
Mdleleni cautioned farmers to be vigilant and look after their livestock, as she said stock theft was on the rise in the region, especially at this time of the year.
She advised farmers, both commercial and subsistence farmers, to brand their livestock, saying it assisted with the identification of livestock that has been confiscated from suspected thieves.
“Those who can afford GPS collars must please use them, as it makes it easier to track down missing livestock,” she added.
Not so long ago, a livestock farmer from Cathcart made a grisly discovery when he found that 18 of his sheep had been killed, gutted and hung on a barbed wire fence.
