Trio to appear in court for stock theft

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Three accused were granted R1 000 bail each upon appearance before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on a charge of stock theft on Thursday.

Itireleng Lefutswe, 41, Thapelo Matladi, 27, and Omphile Lethoko, 23, were arrested after information was received about people who were allegedly seen brand marking the cattle at Ikageleng Section outside Dinokana village near Zeerust.

Their apprehension on Wednesday was facilitated by Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES), Zeerust K9 and Lehurutshe Crime Prevention Units.

According to North West police spokesperson Captain Sam Tselanyane, an observation was kept on the suspects until they loaded the cattle into a white Toyota Bakkie pulling a trailer.

“The police intercepted the suspects along the Mangope Highway in Lehurutshe. All three suspects were arrested after they failed to give satisfactory account of the cattle.

“On Thursday, the two rightful owners of the six cattle valued at R80 000 were traced after ownerships were identified through their brand marks.

“The accused are expected to re-appear at the same court on Wednesday, February 14, 2024,” he stated.

Investigation into the matter continues.

Meanwhile, two suspects aged 47 and 48 were arrested following a tip-off from the community about two suspects believed to be involved in stock theft at Moshana Village in the policing precinct of Lehurutshe.

Cpt Tselanyane said upon receiving the information, they acted swiftly and arrested two suspects who were found looking after the cattle at Moshana Cattle Post situated at Lekker Dors farm.

He further revealed that the ten Bonsmara cattle valued at approximately R128 000, were stolen at Palmietfontein farm in the vicinity of Zeerust.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were seen looking after the cattle for the past two weeks at Ditsobelo Cattle Post in Driefontein while looking for a buyer.

“On Friday, December 29, 2023, one of the farmers in the area met with one of the suspects with the offer to buy the cattle. He was referred to the other suspect who was at the time herding the cattle towards Swartkop direction.

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“The farmer allegedly told the suspects that he does not have money at the time but he can keep the cattle in his farm of which the suspects agreed.

“As a result, police were informed and after obtaining witness statements, an entrapment was set and both suspects were apprehended on the way to the farm. The lawful owner was traced by means of the brand mark and the cattle were positively identified,” he added.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 on a charge of stock theft.