Potchefstroom – Cattle rustling accused 22-year-old Tshepang Motseretsere Sepinara has appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court after he was arrested for possession of stolen Basmara calves worth about R100 000.
The accused Sepinara, an illegal immigrant from Lesotho, appeared in court on Friday, (2 May 2025).
Police Spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the accused was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, (30 April 2025), in Swartruggens, North West.
Colonel Myburgh said the arrest was made after police acted on a tip-off that led them to the Derdepoort T-junction.
At the T-junction, police officers from Madikwe and Phokeng Stock Theft and Endangered Species units arrested Sepinara during what Colonel Myburgh described as a “controlled buy-and-bust operation”.
“During the arrest, the police seized five Bonsmara calves worth R100 000,” said Colonel Myburgh.
“The calves were positively identified through brand marks and handed back to the rightful owner.”
North West Acting Police Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng, “thanked and commended” vigilant members of the public for providing the police with positive information that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the cattle.
Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “It is also a serious concern that an illegal immigrant was employed by the farmer in contravention of the law.”
Police Spokesperson Colonel Myburgh said the accused was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday, (21 May 2025).
