Stock theft continues to plague Free State farmers, with police recovering 15 suspected stolen sheep worth an estimated R22 000 during an intelligence-driven operation in Bohlokong.

A 39-year-old man from Paballong Village in Qwaqwa was arrested after police traced a vehicle allegedly transporting livestock to a residential property in Bohlokong on Tuesday 28 July.

Members of the Bethlehem Crime Intelligence unit and the Fouriesburg Stock Theft unit acted on information about the suspicious vehicle before searching the property.

During the search, officers recovered 15 sheep with identification tattoos that had allegedly been tampered with. The suspect was unable to provide proof of ownership for the animals and was arrested on the scene.

He is expected to appear in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.

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Stock theft remains one of the biggest challenges facing the agricultural sector in the Free State, with farmers suffering significant financial losses every year. Police have repeatedly urged livestock owners to mark their animals properly and encouraged the public not to buy livestock or meat from suspicious sources.

Police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring warned that purchasing stolen livestock or carcasses was a criminal offence. He urged members of the public to report anyone involved in livestock theft or the illegal trade in stolen animals.