Balfour – Seven men will spend the weekend behind bars after police intercepted a Toyota Quantum minibus loaded with suspected stolen cattle carcasses and other items.
The suspects, aged between 31 and 39, appeared in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
They were identified as Sidwell Motsitsi, Thandanani Sokhele, Kholisile Majola, Jacob Motaung, Sechaba Mokoena, Madina Soetland, and Nkosinathi Simelane.
Police cornered the group on a farm in Balfour on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the men were arrested after failing to produce valid permits for the meat.
“When questioned about the carcasses, the driver claimed he had been hired by the six men from Duduza, Gauteng, to collect unknown goods in Balfour,” Ndubane said.
She confirmed that all seven suspects, including the driver, were charged with possession of suspected stolen goods and stock theft.
The case has been adjourned until next Tuesday, 2 June 2026, for a formal bail application.
