Middleburg – Four men have been remanded in custody after they were caught in possession of stolen livestock and cattle carcasses valued at about R87 000 in Mpumalanga.
The suspects, Vusi Mahlangu, Nkosinathi Vilakazi, Wiseman Mgidlana and Thulani Nkosi, aged between 36 and 42, appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 October 2026.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly cut a fence on a farm and stole cattle using a bakkie during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to police, the farmer was alerted to the incident at about 02:40 on 28 October 2026 by an employee who reported that individuals were cutting the farm fence.
“The complainant and the employee immediately rushed to the scene, where they found the suspects allegedly busy cutting the fence and driving six cattle into nearby bushes,” Lieutenant-Colonel Ndubane said.
The farmer then enlisted the help of neighbouring farmers, who joined the search for the suspects.
“The group managed to apprehend four suspects across the road near the bushes,” Lieutenant-Colonel Ndubane said.
During a search of the vehicle allegedly used in the crime, a black plastic sheet was found.
Police believe it may have been intended to cover meat after the livestock had been slaughtered.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of cattle carcasses and other livestock when they were cornered by the farmer and neighbours.
The stock theft case was adjourned to next Thursday, 5 November 2026.
All four accused were remanded in custody.
