Stock thieves nabbed for murder in Swartberg

KWAZULU-NATAL – On 17 September 2020 at 02:30, Swartberg police officers were conducting operations along the Swartberg and Cedarville Road, when they spotted a bakkie traveling on the road.

The police officers attempted to intercept the vehicle with three occupants but it sped off. A chase ensued and the vehicle was stopped. Upon searching the vehicle, a total of 34 sheep were found inside the bakkie and 14 were already dead. Another two goats and three blankets were also found inside the vehicle. Three suspects aged between 17 and 23 were placed under arrest for stock theft. The suspects will appear before the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September 2020.

The investigation conducted by police revealed that the stolen stock was taken from a property in the Gowan Lea policing precinct where the house owner was killed. It is alleged on 16 September 2020 at 21:20, a 48-year-old man was in his house at Bazalwana when he was attacked. The suspects stole 34 sheep, two goats and three blankets before setting him alight inside the house. The suspects will be charged for murder, house robbery and arson. They will appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court next week.