Police, farmers’ joint operation tighten the grip to initiate arrests, after 8 cows stolen

A joint operation between Hennenman police and the farmers made a turning point after four suspects were caught red-handed with stolen cattle.

Police spokesperson in the district, captain Stephen Thakeng said, a concerned member of the public tipped a police officer, about suspected stock theft.

“Yesterday 2 June, at about 05:35 constable Jerry Mosesi of Hennenman Visible Policing, received a tip-off from a resident of Hennenman about a suspected cows stolen as there were seven unknown men next to these live stock,” clarified Thakeng.

“Information was cascaded to the WhatsApp group of farmers and Magidie Hens, a farmer of Ventersburg confirmed that ten (10) of his cattle has been stolen.

“The SAPS member organized the farmer and his son who followed up these suspects until they were arrested in the district of Hennenman in the Bush while they were hiding themselves,” said Thakeng.

Four suspects aged between 28 and 31-years-old were arrested and found in possession of eight cows.

Thakeng said a preliminary investigation revealed that two stolen cows were already sold.

“A case of stock theft was registered at Ventersburg and detective sergeant Papie Sefafe of Lejweleputswa District Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit will be conducting the investigation,” he said.

The four suspects facing stock theft and possession of suspected stolen live stock, will appear before the Ventersburg Magistrate Court next week Tuesday, 7 June.