FREE STATE - Two cases of stock theft were registered at Hennenman SAPS after 69 sheep were stolen from two separate farms (32 and 37 sheep, respectively).

Kroonstad and Welkom K9 Units, Hennenman SAPS, and members from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit followed every lead to apprehend suspects and recover stolen sheep.

Information was received about sheep being butchered behind a tavern on Bailey Street in Reitzpark, Welkom. The team responded and upon searching the premises they found two bakkies with 15 sheep carcasses and 4 sheep that were still alive.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the owner of the sheep is a farmer from Hennenman. He was called to the crime scene and he managed to identify the sheep as his and they were handed over to him.

A tavern owner and six accomplices aged between 37 and 53 were arrested for possession of suspected stolen live stock.

Odendaalsrus Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit are continuing with further investigations.

The District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Maj Gen Lerato Molale praised the residents of Reitzpark for trusting the SAPS with this sensitive information which led to the arrests and seizure. More boots on the ground were also applauded for quick response to follow up on this information.

Source: South African Police Service