Four people were arrested for stock theft in Marydale and Philipstown, while a police operation in the Pixley ka Seme District netted 10 suspects for various crimes.
A 29-YEAR-old suspect was arrested on Monday by members of the Marydale police after he was found in possession of two goats that he allegedly stole and slaughtered.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said the suspect was not able to provide the police with satisfactory information relating to where he obtained the meat.
“The meat products were believed to belong to goats that were reported as stolen. He was arrested and is facing a charge of stock theft.”
Tawana said that in an unrelated stock theft incident, the Philipstown police acted on a tip-off and raided three houses in Lukhanyusweni, where three women were arrested for being in possession of meat products believed to have been derived from stolen sheep.
“The suspects failed to provide the police with a satisfactory explanation as to how they came to possess the meat products.”
Tawana added that more than 10 suspects were apprehended for various crimes including the illegal possession of ammunition, possession of stolen goods, dealing in liquor illegally and stock theft across the Pixley ka Seme District during an intensified crime-prevention operation over the weekend.
“The focus of the operations, amongst other things, was to combat crimes related to the illegal transportation of stolen goods, drug trafficking, stock theft, stolen vehicles, contact crimes and undocumented persons.”
Tawana said that a 47-year-old homeowner was issued with a fine for dealing in liquor illegally.
“The police raided three houses and confiscated and destroyed 120 litres of home-brewed alcohol.”
During the crime-prevention operation, a suspicious-looking white bakkie was stopped along the road as it did have any number plates. “The driver was found to be illegally in possession of a rifle and ammunition.”
Tawana added that multidisciplinary, static roadblock and “vehicle checkpoints were held on the N10 and R357 roads by members of the Prieska and Niekerkshoop police, Home Affairs officials and Northern Cape provincial traffic officers.
“Traffic fines amounting to R12,300 were issued to motorist for contravening the Road Traffic Act, one undocumented person was arrested and home-brewed alcohol was confiscated and destroyed at two houses which were dealing in liquor illegally.”
Tawana said that police members and non-governmental organisations such as Famsa and ACVV also distributed pamphlets to raise awareness about gender-based violence during the static roadblock and vehicle checkpoints.
The suspects are all expected to appear in separate courts across the Pixley ka Seme District on charges ranging from stock theft, possession of stolen goods, contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal possession of ammunition.
