In its second month since the formation of the #StockTheft Prevention Task Team in the OR Tambo District, the unit has recovered stolen sheep in Mthatha and Bityi between Wednesday, 03 September, and Thursday, 04 September 2025.
On Wednesday, 03 September 2025, at about 03:00, the team arrested a 40-year-old male suspect in Callaway Street, Mthatha, after he was found in possession of one live sheep and a carcass allegedly stolen from the Mthatha SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Employees of the SPCA positively identified the recovered stock.
In an unrelated incident in Xhwili, Bityi, the Task Team recovered fifty-three (53) sheep on Thursday, 04 September 2025, at about 03:00. The animals were returned to their lawful owner.
Investigations revealed that the sheep had been stolen the previous night, Wednesday, 03 September 2025, at about 22:00, and later abandoned by the suspects.
The arrested 40-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 04 September 2025, on charges of possession of suspected stolen stock.
#fightingcrime #PartnershipPolicing
Rural Safety and Preventing Stock Theft
