Police arrest six males for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock
Date Published:
2025/06/27
Description Details:

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West


POTCHEFSTROOM - A swift operationalisation of information by Mabeskraal Visible Policing members led to the arrest of six accused and subsequent appearance in the Mogwase Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 26 June 2025, for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock (22 goats) worth R34 000,00.

The accused: Katlego Rammekwa (19), Robert Moloto (30), Mthokosize Mkhize (38), Mzilikazi Khumalo (34), Thabo Moalosi (37) and Thapelo Motaung (27) were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 24 June 2025, in Makweleng Section, Mabeskraal village outside Rustenburg.  Acting on a tip-off, the police stopped the accused's vehicle at Makweleng crossroad, then conducted a search and discovered 22 goats inside a trailer pulled by a silver Toyota Hilux single cab vehicle. The police arrested the accused after failing to account for the livestock and confiscated the vehicle and the trailer.

All accused are expected to make a second court appearance on Tuesday, 08 July 2025, for a bail application and legal representation.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province, which is predominantly rural and agrarian had prioritised its operations to combat, prevent and detect widespread incidents of stock theft by strengthening crime prevention partnerships initiatives under the Community Policing and Rural Safety Strategies. “The arrests of these suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen stock is therefore an affirmation of the importance and effectiveness of collaborative crime prevention partnerships.  While the arrest of the suspects is welcomed and appreciated, it is important to note and concede that the threat to food security and livelihoods posed by ubiquitous theft of stock will only be addressed by arresting unscrupulous speculators, Auctioneers, Feedlot Owners, Abattoirs and other markets for stolen stock, all of whom are the real beneficiaries of this lucrative illicit economy,” concluded Major General Asaneng.

Extortion Hotline number: 0800 911 011

Ends

Enquiries:
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
082 496 9642

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