DURBAN – Yesterday, police officers from the Multi-District Anti-Stock Task Team arrested two suspected stock thieves aged 28 and 34 and recovered 14 cattle.
The suspects were arrested at the KwaMakhukhula area in Gluckstadt where the livestock was recovered. The recovered livestock were stolen from Gluckstadt, Mpungamhlophe and Ulundi policing areas. Both suspects were charged for stock theft. It is alleged that the criminals steal livestock from other areas and take them to KwaMakhukhula, which is a densely mountainous forest. A revolver with 6 rounds of ammunition was found abandoned.
Both suspects are appearing at the Vryheid Magistrates Court today whereas a 34-year-old suspect will also appear at the Babanango and Mahlabathini Magistrates Court. She has been positively linked to stock theft cases reported at Ulundi and Mpungamhlophe police stations. The lawful owners identified the recovered livestock and others were impounded.
We urge all livestock owners to ensure that they brand their livestock for easy identification. They can also be charged for failing to brand mark their livestock. These operations are continuing in the province to fight stock theft.
