Stock thieves intercepted during Blue-White Light operation

On Thursday, 16 September 2021, Heilbron SAPS members intercepted stock thieves during a blue-white light operation.

SAPS members, Warrant Officer James Hoiy, and Constable Abram Maseko, stopped a white Kombi on R34 road towards Frankfort. This vehicle had three ocaupants, two of which managed to flee and one was arrested. The arrest followed the discovery of sheep that were crammed inside the Kombi.

On closer search, it was revealed that of the number of sheep found, 39 were alive, and 15 were dead. The value of these sheep was estimated to be around R135 000.

While enquiring further, it was discovered that these sheep belonged to Stofel Scheepers of Eselvoet Farm, Heilbron.

A case of stock theft was opened forturther investigation, and a 27-year-old male resident of Orange Farm, in Gauteng Province, will be charged with stock theft. The suspect will appear before the Heilbron Magistrates Court on Monday, 20 Sebtember 2021.

Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, applauded the members for stopping these stock thieves. “Blue White Light Operation is one of the crime combating measures we put in place in rural areas to squeeze the space of cnminals. This success is one of the fruits of these operations and will continue unt our areas are safe and conducive for farming” concluded General Motswenyane.