BLOEMFONTEIN – The police took three suspects into custody in an effort to dismantle a stock theft syndicate at Glen targeting an agricultural school just outside Bloemfontein.
The breakthrough came when police reacted to credible intelligence. The Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Thabong Crime Intelligence and the Selosesha Tactical Response Team (TRT) commenced with the project on Thursday 12 March at 18:00. The team utilized an undercover agent that met with three suspects at around 01:30 to conclude a transaction.
During the exchange, the subjects provided Bonsmara cows with a market value of R300 000 and accepted a cash payment of R20 000 from the agent.
Following the conclusion of the transaction, the police moved in and arrested three male suspects aged 42,43 and 29 at a petrol station near Bloemfontein.
They were arrested on charges of stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock.
“This successful operation underscores our commitment to protecting the agricultural sector, which is a backbone of our provincial economy,” said Major General Apaphia Modise, Acting Provincial Commissioner in the Free State. “The collaboration between Crime Intelligence and our tactical units ensures that those who target educational institutions and farms will face the full might of the law,” said Modise.
Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the police in the Free State, said the suspects will remain in custody and are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
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