Potchefstroom – The long arm of the law has caught up with three livestock thieves and recovered 61 stolen goats and sheep.
The animals were stolen from a cattle post behind Khaukhwe Village in Pudimoe, North West, on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Police spokesperson Constable Thuto Bobelo said on the day in question, at about 19:30, a shepherd at the cattle post was attacked by three men.
“The shepherd managed to escape and alert the livestock owner, who immediately reported the matter to the police,” the spokesperson said.
The shepherd told the police that he was assaulted with a spade.
Station Commander of Pudimoe Police Station promptly mobilised local farmers and requested additional support from the District.
“A search operation was subsequently conducted, resulting in the identification and seizure of a suspicious white Mahindra bakkie, which was allegedly utilised in the commission of the crime,” said Constable Bobelo.
Police arrested a suspect before driving to a kraal where the stolen livestock was believed to be kept.
At the kraal, police arrested two other suspects and recovered all 61 stolen animals.
The spokesperson said police also seized a “livestock receipt book” and cellphones, which they would use to investigate further.
“The recovered livestock, comprising 46 goats and 15 sheep, were returned to their lawful owner,” said Constable Bobelo.
The three suspects have been charged with stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock.
The arrested suspects will appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September 2026.
