Four suspected stock thieves apprehended and R15 000 meat recovered

Four men have been apprehended for their involvement in a stock theft incident in the Ventersburg district in the Free State.

In the early hours of 6 June, at around 03:00, vigilant members of the Ventersburg SAPS observed a heavily loaded white bakkie traveling at high speed through the town. The vehicle’s suspicious behavior prompted the officers to pursue it towards the R70 route.

“Although they temporarily lost sight of the vehicle, it was later intercepted as it approached from the opposite direction. When they brought the vehicle to a halt, the police discovered portions of a cattle carcass concealed under the canopy at the back,” says Capt. Loraine Earle, Free State media liaison officer.

The driver was questioned and alleged that he had been summoned to collect a load. Under further questioning, police persuaded the driver to contact his accomplices, claiming the vehicle had run out of fuel.

A strategic waylay was set up, and when two individuals arrived with a petrol can, they were swiftly arrested. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of a fourth suspect and the discovery of the scene where the animal had been slaughtered.

Tools and items believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were also seized.

Further investigations enabled police to identify the rightful owner of the stolen livestock from a local farm in the Bloubank area. The recovered meat valued at R15 000 was subsequently returned to the lawful owner.

The suspects are aged between 27 and 36. The police returned meat with an estimated value of R15 000 to the farmer.