In a successful operation driven by community vigilance, members of the Makhado Stock Theft Unit and the Endangered Species unit arrested two men, aged 44 and 75, for possession of suspected stolen property related to stock theft.
The incident unfolded on the morning of Thursday, 27 November 2025, when alert community members observed suspicious vehicles offloading a herd of cattle at a local auction. Recognizing the activity as potentially illicit, they immediately summoned the police to the scene.
Upon arrival at approximately 10:00, law enforcement officials found seven head of cattle ready to be sold. A preliminary investigation at the scene led to the interrogation of the two suspects, who could not provide proof of the cattle’s origin.
Further police work successfully identified and located the legitimate owner of the livestock in Kgapane, situated in the Tzaneen area of the Mopani District.
The two suspects were subsequently placed under arrest. As part of the ongoing investigation, the seven recovered cattle and the vehicle used in the alleged crime were confiscated by the police.
The accused are scheduled to make their first court appearance at the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 November 2025, to face charges of possession of suspected stolen property (livestock).
Police have confirmed that their investigations into the matter are continuing.