Members of Virginia Rural Safety Coordinators received information about people chasing cattle from Woolaways to Harmony Saaiplaas direction. The information was operationalised on 01 November 2023 at about 07:40 where two suspects were seen in an open veld. Upon noticing police presence, the suspects fled.
Rural Safety Coordinators requested back-up from Virginia Crime Prevention and Communal farmers gave chase towards the residential area where two suspects were arrested. Twelve Bonsmara cows and two calves valued at R155 000 with visible brand marks were recovered after their tracks were followed.
The lawful owner of the cows was traced through the brand marks and he arrived at the crime scene and identified the cattle as his livestock. The cattle were handed over to the farmer who thanked the SAPS members for their swift reaction. The suspects, aged 27 and 55, are facing possession of suspected stolen livestock.
They will appear soon in Virginia Magistrate’s Court.
The Acting District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Brigadier Disebo Cezula praised Virginia Rural Safety Coordinators and Communal farmers for their swift reaction to seize the stolen livestock and the arrests.