Cops nab suspected stock thieves in Makhanda

Three men aged between 22 and 31 were arrested in Makhanda (Grahamstown) on Monday January 20, after they were found with an illegal firearm, three sheep carcasses, and sheep skins.

“The arrests followed after a case of stock theft was reported by a local farmer, after he found ten slaughter scenes at his farm leading him to realise ten sheep had been stolen and slaughtered,” SAPS spokesman Captain Khaya Tonjeni said.

Through close cooperation with Crime Intelligence, Operational Command Centre and Port Alfred Dog Unit, police managed to recover an illegal firearm.

“Later a house was visited at Extension 7, Makhanda where one male suspect was found with three sheep carcasses, three dorper sheep heads, bloody clothing and five sheep feet as well as six sheep skins,” Tonjeni said.

When the suspect was questioned further about the firearm, he took SAPS members to his residence at Ethembeni location where he pointed out a hunting rifle (300 calibre magnum) and informed the police that the firearm was given to him by his friend, who according to police is also a well-known stock thief.

The three suspects were arrested and charged for stock theft and possession of an unlicensed firearm. All the suspects are expected to appear in the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on January 23. The investigation continues.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the arrest and the efficiency of the members who were following up on the case. “We need to arrest all those responsible for stock theft including those who continue to support this illicit trade,” Ntshinga said.