ELEVEN STOLEN CATTLE RECOVERED AS POLICE CRACK DOWN ON SUSPECTED SYNDICATE IN TOLWE
POLOKWANE- An intelligence driven joint operation conducted on Monday 17 until on 18 October 2022 has cracked down on a syndicate believed to be responsible for stealing cattle owned by small-scale farmers around Lephalale, Tolwe, Mokopane Marken and surrounding areas.
The operation comprised members of National Tactical Response Team, Tolwe Detectives, Provincial Stock theft Unit, assisted by Steiloop Stock theft Forum.The team followed information about suspects who steal cattle and later sell them on auctions.The information was operationalised and six cattle were recovered after the suspect offloaded them on the side of the road and were supposed to be picked up for auction.
As the operation continued, police spotted a Ford Ranger with trailer driving at a high speed.The vehicle was tactically stopped, pulled over and during the cross examination, one suspect was positively linked with stock theft incidents. Police continued with the investigation and five more stolen cattle were found kept on his farm around Tolwe.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe had commended the members for the well coordinated operation and thanked community members for their support to curb stock theft incidents in the province.
The 54-year-old suspect, Johannes Tsita has appeared before the Tolwe periodical court on Thursday 20 October where was remanded in custody. He will appear again in the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 25 October 2022.
Police urge community members to report any suspicious persons or vehicles transporting livestock to the police immediately. We are calling on livestock owners who might have recently lost their cattle to visit the livestock pound in Bochum for purpose of positive identification or call the Branch Commander Detective Warrant Officer Paul Makhutja on 082 414 1882.
Police investigations continue.
