Two suspects aged 34 and 40 have been arrested by the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit of Wepener.
Police spokesman, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, said that the duo were arrested after two months of thorough investigation that took place between Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces between December 2020 and February 2021.
Brigadier Makhele also said that the suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of sheep that were rustled from the owner of a farm near Smithfield, Free State. At total of 561 sheep of the 800 rustled were recovered by police.
He said that the suspects acted on false pretences as they claimed to be representing a certain bank that works with farmers and they entered into a business deal with the farm owner that involves 1000 ewes and 300 rams valued at R4.9 million.
The famer reportedly signed on the dotted line and he then delivered the livestock (800 sheep) to Machado (Louis Trichardt), Limpopo as per the agreement with the bank (suspects).
The farmer became suspicious when no money was deposited into his bank account for the delivery he made, and he decided to call the suspects, but they were not available on their cellular phones and he contacted the bank direct.
The farmer was told that the bank had no business with him. That is when the police were involved.
One suspect was arrested in December 2020 at Giyani, Limpopo and he has since appeared before court and granted R10 000 bail with strict conditions.
The two suspects will appear in Smithfield Magistrates’ Court today, Monday, 15 February 2021 on charges of fraud and stock theft.
SOUTH AFRICA: Police Arrest Two for Rustling 800 Sheep
