Or tambo district: The recent arrest made by the District Stocktheft Task Team underscores the team's dedicated efforts in tackling stock theft within the OR Tambo District since its formation at the start of August. A 38-year-old man was apprehended yesterday in Qumbu on allegations of stealing seven cattle, marking one of the numerous arrests achieved by the team in the district recently.
According to South African Police Service, on Friday, 22 August 2025, around 13:00, the task team promptly responded to information regarding potentially stolen cattle. The team tracked a man herding seven cattle from the grazing fields in the Blackhill locality to the Bhelekence locality, where he was subsequently stopped and interrogated.
Preliminary investigations indicated that five of the cattle were stolen from the Mafusini locality, while the ownership of the remaining two cattle is still being determined. The cattle have been transferred to a municipality livestock pound in Qumbu.
The 38-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. He is scheduled to appear in the Qumbu Magistrate's Court on Monday, 25 August 2025, to face these charges.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, commended the task team for their effective efforts. Despite being operational for just over three weeks, the team has successfully recovered livestock valued at millions of rands. Major General Modishana emphasized that with the support of local residents and the farming community, the police are poised to win the battle against stock theft in the district.