Durban — KwaZulu-Natal police pounced on an alleged stock thief who not only had allegedly stolen cattle but a pistol, rounds of ammunition, bulletproof vests, a rifle telescope, a rifle silencer and other items.
A multidisciplinary operation was conducted on Thursday at midday, by various police units at Mhosheni in Nquthu, northern KZN, where they were following information about 13 cattle that were stolen in Babanango.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said it is alleged that cattle were stolen while inside a kraal at a homestead this month.
She said the investigation led the team to a homestead of a stock thief.
“Upon arrival at the said place, police found a 47-year-old man in possession of a pistol as well as 235 various rounds of ammunition. Police also found a rifle telescope, three bulletproof vests, a rifle silencer and other items,” Gwala said.
“Four stolen cattle that were stolen in Babanango were found at the suspect's homestead.”
Gwala said that the lawful owner positively identified the stolen stock.
She added that the suspect was expected to appear before the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court on Friday for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition as well as possession of stolen property.
Meanwhile, IOL reported that two men were arrested for the alleged theft of 36 sheep with an estimated value of R108 000 in Tierpoort in the Free State.
The two were arrested on Thursday, while they were offloading the sheep.
“The incident was reported on November 24, 2022, and members from Bloemfontein and the Provincial Stock Theft Unit followed up on information about the drop-off point of the sheep.
“The team responded swiftly and surprised three suspects while they were busy offloading the stock the very same day it was reported stolen," said police spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli.
“Two suspects were arrested and one fled the scene. The value of the stolen sheep is estimated to be R108 000. Thirteen of the stolen sheep were recovered, of which seven were slaughtered and six were still alive. The police are continuing with the investigation and more arrests are to follow.”
Daily News