Police thwart livestock theft in Campbell; 52 sheep saved

A total of 52 sheep were already tied up and ready to be stolen. (Photo: SA Police)

The quick action of the police at Campbell in the Northern Cape on Thursday evening prevented a huge loss for a local farmer after 52 sheep were already tied up and ready to be stolen.

According to Lt. Col. Thabo Litabe, provincial police spokesperson, said the police received information about an attempted cattle theft at around 21:00, after which they acted immediately to foil the planned crime.

According to Litabe, the thieves were already well advanced with their plans when the police appeared on the scene.

“When the police arrived on the farm, the sheep were found in a corner of the camp and their legs were tied. A part of the fence had also already been cut, which indicated that the suspects planned to remove the animals immediately. We immediately informed the owner and all the sheep were safely returned to him,” says Litabe.

(Photo: SA Police)

The police advised the owner, as well as the neighboring farmers, to step up their security measures as the area has been identified as a hotspot for cattle theft. In December last year and January this year, two similar cases were already reported in this area.

Although no arrests have yet been made, high density patrols have been introduced in the area since the incident.

Maj. Gen. Nomana Mtukushe, district commissioner of Pixley ka Seme, praised the police’s quick and purposeful action and issued a serious warning to cattle thieves.

“No one will enter our territory and commit crime without being detected. We will ensure that they are held accountable for their actions. This type of crime will simply not be tolerated,” said Mtukushe.

(Photo: SA Police)