MPUMALANGA – Police and law enforcement agencies recovered livestock valued at more than R292 000 during a cross-border operation at Ndonga Farm and Mafufumbe near Mayflower on Monday 21 September.

The operation involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit from Elukwatini, Ermelo, Bethal and Middelburg, Royal Eswatini Police STES, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Visible Policing (Vispol) members.

The team recovered livestock linked to separate cases reported in South Africa and Eswatini during the operation.

In the first recovery, livestock valued at approximately R160 000 was recovered and impounded at the Ermelo pound. The recovery included cattle, calves, carcasses, a hide and four sheep. The matter is linked to an Elukwatini STES enquiry dated 12 September 2026 and was registered under Mayflower SAPS 13.

Seven Boer goats valued at approximately R22 000, which were reported stolen in a Chrissiesmeer case, were recovered in a second incident. The livestock was found abandoned and tied with ropes at a grazing camp at Ndonga Farm. The goats were registered under Mayflower SAPS 13.

In a third incident, 12 cattle valued at approximately R110 000 were recovered and linked to a Mayflower case.

As part of the operation, 129 cattle and 67 goats and sheep were screened. A total of 19 searches and five farm patrols were conducted.

No arrests were made during the operation. Three J534 notices were issued in connection with the operation for alleged contraventions of the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002 and the Stock Theft Act.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, said the SAPS remains committed to strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and other law enforcement agencies to combat stock theft and protect livestock owners and communities.

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