NORTHERN CAPE — Law enforcement officials in Kuruman have arrested five suspects and recovered five head of stolen cattle valued at approximately R60,000, following an intelligence-led operation in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
The arrests took place on Tuesday, 17 June 2026, at around 18:15. Acting on a tip-off, police tracked the individuals to a local feeding lot. The suspects, whose ages range from 33 to 39, were intercepted in possession of the livestock.
When questioned by officers about the origin of the five animals, the men failed to offer a satisfactory explanation. This discrepancy triggered a deeper on-site investigation, prompting authorities to contact the rightful owner. A 60-year-old farmer arrived at the feeding lot and positively identified the livestock as his property.
Following the positive identification, the five men were taken into custody and formally charged with possession of suspected stolen property. Additionally, investigators confiscated a single-cab bakkie believed to have been utilized to transport the animals during the commission of the crime.
The accused are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court later this week.
Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, the Acting District Commissioner for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, praised the investigating team for their rapid deployment and effective use of intelligence, noting that their swift response ultimately prevented a significant financial loss for the cattle owner.
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