Nelspruit:  Six suspects aged between 20 and 38 appeared in Piet Retief Magistrates’ Court today, 03 November 2022, for possession of suspected stolen livestock carcases.

On 28 October 2022, the farmer reportedly had a routine check on his flock of sheep and to his surprise, discovered a deficit of 22. It is said that the farmer made his own enquiries and received information that his sheep were allegedly stolen and already slaughtered by suspects.

Members of the police from Piet Retief Stock Theft Unit were alerted about the matter and they were summoned to the scene. Upon arrival, an investigation was conducted where information was followed whereby four suspects were reportedly found in possession of the carcasses. In addition, sheep heads were also seized with brand marks suspected to be that of the complainant. The four suspects were immediately arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of two more suspects that were allegedly found with ten sheep carcasses.

During their court appearance, the six were granted bail of R2000 each and they are expected back in court on 08 December 2022. Their names are Amos Sfiso Manana (28), Thabani Nkosi (24), Nkosinsiphile Mnisi (36), Nkosikhona Simelana (24), Thebelihle Floence Khumalo (28), and Siyabonga Samuel Shandu (20). The investigation continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspects hence their court appearance. The General further emphasised that the police will continue to tackle stock theft however, farmers should also continue to brand mark their livestock as this exercise assist in identification whenever the items are recovered. The public is discouraged from buying stolen goods.

Source: South African Police Service