Tubatse SAPS arrest alleged livestock thieves

MAKWATASENG

The Tubatse SAPS arrested two male suspects, aged 25 and 26, in connection with an armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen livestock on the morning of March 8. The arrests happened after police had swiftly responded to a report of a robbery at Makwataseng Village.

“The complainant alleged that six armed men entered the area where he keeps his cattle and stole four while holding him at gunpoint. The police were activated and quickly intercepted the suspects’ bakkie and trailer at Riba Cross, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

“During the operation, the officers recovered the herd of four cattle, the bakkie, the trailer used to transport them, and a licensed firearm belonging to one of the suspects, allegedly used in the commission of the crime,” said the Limpopo SAPS’s spokesperson, Malesela Ledwaba.

He said the other four suspects evaded arrest.
Ledwaba confirmed the members of the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit have taken over the case for further investigation and more arrests are expected.
The two suspects are scheduled to appear in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of stock theft, robbery with a firearm and possession of suspected stolen livestock.
Authorities are also investigating whether the firearm has been used in other crimes.
“The swift response by our officers in apprehending the suspects and recovering the livestock demonstrates our commitment to combatting stock theft and violent crimes in our province. The recovery of the cattle and confiscation of the firearm will send a message to would-be armed robbers that the long arm of the law will reach them,” said Limpopo’s SAPS commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.