Dikgogodi Providence Lentswe (46), Aobakwe Lentswe (28) and Koone Daniel Mogwase (29) are expected to make their second appearance in the Molopo Magistrates' Court in Mmabatho on Monday, 6 June 2022, for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The accused initially appeared at the same court on Monday, 30 May 2022, and remanded in custody following their apprehension by members of Stock Theft Stabilisation Task Team. The team members were conducting a disruptive operation at Bulfontein-Slurry auction on Friday, 27 May 2022, to enforce compliance with the Stock Theft Act, 1957 (Act No. 57 of 1957) and the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002).

During the operation, the police stopped a vehicle with three male occupants and pulling a trailer loaded with six Bonsmara calves. It was established during the inspection that the calves were not properly brand marked. In addition, the calves were still bleeding from ears due to newly performed traditional marks.

The accused were then arrested for contravention of Section 2 of Stock theft Act, 1959 and possession of suspected stolen livestock after failing to account for the possession.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the members for their commitment and vigilance that led to the success.

Source: South African Police Service