Virginia Rural Safety Coordinators nabbed four farm attack suspects, recovered stolen cattle

Four suspects attacked and robbed a farmer in his home, and police later arrested them with stolen items. In a separate incident, police found six Bonsmara cattle hidden at the river bank.

A 43-year-old complainant was sleeping in his farm house, Khanyiso Vegetable Project in Calabria, Virginia when he heard noise outside.

The incidents occurred on Thursday, 02 December 2021, at around 04:00; and Friday, 03 December 2021.

Allegedly, an two African man broke the window and entered his home. One of which pointed him with a firearm and threatened to shoot him if he made noise.

Duo men then opened the door for three other African men to enter.

Alleged suspects tied the complainant’s hands with shoe laces and ordered him to lie down.

The complainant goes on to say the men stole a bag with clothes and R200 cash.

“Complainant says four of the men went outside and one stayed up guard him,” says Captain Thakeng.

Apparently, they called the guard suspect outside and is was suddenly quiet.

The 43-year-old managed to untie himself and sought help until the Virginia SAPS was informed and arrived at the scene.

Upon investigation, he discovered that suspects stole a generator; a tractor’s battery; a spotlight; a solar; a two plate stove; and a door.

Members registered a case of business robbery (farm attack) and alerted Rural Safety Coordination members.

“Rural Safety Coordinators followed leads until they managed to arrest four suspects aged 25–39. Members found suspects in possession of two batteries; one bag with clothes; and a beige bag with 500 gram seeds inside,” added Captain Thakeng.

The four suspects will appear before Virginia Magistrate Court on Monday, 06 December 2021.

In a separate incident, Virginia Rural Safety Coordinators received information about stolen cows at the river Bank. Information was received by Constable SP Nkhobo; and Warrant Officer Lehloma Lehloma on Friday morning, 03 December 2021, at around 07:00.

Members followed up the information and found six Bonsmara cattle hidden and seized them. Investigation revealed the cattle belonged to Boeta Geel of Pietergift Farm in Winburg. Members contacted, and confirmed the theft of Geel’s cattle.

The Winburg farmer, Geel, thanked Virginia Rural Safety Coordinators members and nearby farm workers.

Apparently four Bonsmara are still missing and the recovered live stock amounts to R150 000.

Lejweleputswa District Commissioner, Major General Lerato Molale, applauded Rural Safety members in effecting the arrests and recovering livestock.