NORTHERN CAPE: The swift action of Rural Safety members led to the arrest of four suspects involved in stock theft on Friday night, 10 November 2023. The commendation for the successful operation was given by the Station Commander of Upington, Brigadier Peet Coetzee.
According to South African Police Service, the arrests followed a tip-off about a white Volkswagen Caddy Bakkie transporting stolen livestock on the Rietfontein road. The police operationalized this information, resulting in the stop and search of the vehicle. They recovered carcasses, a sheep, and other items valued at R8 000, as well as impounded the vehicle used in the crime. The owner of the livestock identified his property at the scene.
Initially, two occupants of the vehicle were arrested for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen goods. Further investigation led to the additional arrests of two farm workers. The four suspects are expected to appear in court soon for these charges.