Limpopo police arrest 5 suspects for stock theft

JOHANNESBURG - Five suspects arrested in the Vhembe District in Limpopo, are expected to appear at the Makhado Magistrate's Court on Monday, facing charges of stock theft.

In recent years, there has been a rise in stock theft, with more than 130,000 cases reported annually.

The crime often involves organised syndicates, violence and even murder.

This arrest follows an intelligence-driven operation where police intercepted two vehicles suspected to be transporting livestock without proper documentation.

Police found that the trailer of one of the cars was loaded with cattle, and the occupants of both vehicles were unable to provide valid documentation or a credible explanation regarding the origin of the domestic animals.

All five suspects, aged between 18 and 58, were arrested on the scene.

Police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba said, "The police immediately arrested the five suspects and recovered three cattle. The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo has praised officers for the swift and quick coordinated arrest of the suspects. She said that stock theft continues to have a devastating impact on rural economies and livelihoods."