NELSPRUIT - Police are always on high alert more so with numerous incidents of stock theft in the province. The police's vigilance led to 26 goats which had no brand marks being impounded at Kameelrivier B on Sunday, 15 January 2023. Police urge owners of the seized livestock to urgently come forth and identify their own, before the goats can be forfeited to the state.

A report indicates that the Police were busy with their routine patrols, when they spotted a white Toyota Quantum pulling a trailer which was fully loaded with the goats. The driver mentioned that the stock was transported by him to an auction after being hired by the owners from four different households. According to the driver, the owners thereof opted to sell their stock out of fear that their stock could be stolen by thieves who often steal goats in their area. As there was no proof of ownership, police registered an enquiry docket then seized the items for further investigation.

Hence police calls on community members who might have lost their goats to come and identify their stock at Mmametlhake SAPS or call the Branch Commander of Siyabuswa Stocktheft Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Sepogoane on 079 499 2015 for assistance.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela indicated that the police regard stock theft as a serious crime in the province and more effort is being made to resolve this issue hence the action taken by the members. The General further advised farmers to brand mark their stock as it will be easy to identify once the stock is recovered.

Source: South African Police Service