POTCHEFSTROOM – Thandayiphi Thabethe (39) appeared before the Itsoseng Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 16 February 2023, for possession of suspected stolen property. He was remanded in custody until his second court appearance before the same court on Thursday, 23 February 2023.

His court appearance emanated from an incident reported on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 at about 17:00, when traffic officers stopped a truck in Bodibe Village, close to Itsoseng during routine patrol duties. The driver was allegedly requested to present his driver’s licence, which he could not do. Thereafter, he was requested to open the back of the truck, but he became aggressive and the two passengers that were accompanying him, fled from the scene.

Police were called to the scene for assistance and they ultimately escorted the truck to Itsoseng police station. Upon opening the back of the truck, police found 57 goats and 27 sheep. The driver could not account for the animals or produce any permit. He was immediately arrested and the animals and truck impounded.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the members for their cooperation that led to the arrest. He said that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars. He further reminded farmers to brand mark their livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002).

Please find attached photo of seized truck and livestock.

Source: South African Police Service