Stock theft remains a serious crime in the rural parts of the OR Tambo District, robbing many residents of their valuable livestock, often their primary livelihood and sometimes resulting in violent confrontations. In response, police have intensified efforts to combat this crime in all its forms.
In a recent breakthrough, the Mqanduli Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit has arrested an 80-year-old male suspect on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in Mpindweni locality under the Libode policing precinct. The suspect was found in possession of a white mare and its foal, which had been reported stolen in Mqanduli two months ago (March 2025).
The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation, and the 62-year-old lawful owner from Ntlangaza locality, Mqanduli, positively identified the animals. The mare and foal, with an estimated combined value of R20,000, were returned to the owner. The accused is set to appear before the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession of suspected stolen livestock.
In a separate incident in Tsolo on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the Tsolo Stock Theft Unit and Endangered Species acted on intelligence information about stolen cattle hidden in Ngcolosi Forest. Police recovered five cattle bearing new branding marks, which were taken to the Tsolo Municipality Stock Pound. Known suspects fled upon seeing police, but investigations are ongoing to apprehend them and locate the rightful owner.
