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Eight stolen cattle worth around R98 000, including six Bonsmara and two mixed-genetic cattle, were recovered outside Newcastle on Thursday, 27 January 2022.
Having been stolen from three different farmers in the Normandien region, law enforcement was able to track the cattle down on Thursday thanks to an informant. Law enforcement was led to a house in the Normandien area, thanks to the information.
Three suspects were taken into custody and detained by the Normandien SAPS.
It should be noted that Bonsmara cattle are a premium South African beef breed, with each animal commanding a high price. Such is the value of Bonsmara cattle; Farmer’s Weekly reported that Derek Ralfe of Up George Bonsmaras sold a Bonsmara bull for a record price of R1.8 million in 2018. Therefore, the need to steal these prized animals does create challenges for farmers.
With that said, the arrest of the three suspects comes on the heels of a case earlier this month involving the theft of 15 Bonsmara cattle valued at an estimated R220 000.
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When looking at this crime as a whole, Ithemba Security’s Operational Director, Mornè Potgieter, explains that stock theft in the Amajuba District is problematic.
Additionally, Potgieter clarifies that the reason for the increase in stock theft is multifaceted.
- The stock’s high prices, which have recently risen.
- Farmers not managing their stock properly or tattooing their cows.
- Staff on farms also play a role in some occasions, providing the criminal element with inside information.
However, he notes, “Since the launch of the district task team and the mountain unit, that has been working hand in hand, there have been a lot of recoveries made and suspects arrested. So, we are squeezing down on the criminal element quite hard. We have been hitting the syndicates very hard.”
With that said, Potgieter encourages communities to step up and report thieves, transporters, and buyers involved, as this will bring the market for stolen livestock to a halt.
A special thanks to: Crime Intelligence MDOC in collaboration with SAPS Amajuba District Stock Theft Task Team and Ithemba Security Mountain Unit.
Do you know of any criminal activity going on? Share your views and info in the comment section below.
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Well done