FREE STATE – Five police officials between the ages of 28 and 40, and two animal stock brokers between the ages of 30 and 50 were arrested in the early hours of today in Bloemfontein and Ladybrand by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in Free State assisted by Tactical Response Team (TRT) Bloemfontein and general detectives during the first phase of a major case investigation aimed at disrupting corruption and stock theft in the Free State Province.

Their arrests originate from the incident which took place in October 2020 where Brendon Horner was murdered in Senekal. The Minister of Police visited the Eastern Free State where farmers made allegations against police officials allegedly involved in stock theft. A multi-disciplinary task team was established to investigate these allegations which led to the arrest of police officials and animal stock brokers. During the arrest of two stock brokers, police also discovered two unlicensed firearms.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 July 2021 where they will be facing charges of stock theft, defeating the administration of justice and perjury. The stock brokers will face additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Free State Major General Moodley has applauded the multi-disciplinary task team for the arrest of the suspects allegedly involved in stock theft in the Free State Province.

Source: South African Police Service