ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
EASTERN CAPE: The Eastern Cape provincial task team, comprising members from different units including stock theft and endangered species units, visible policing, mounted units and the Department of Health, arrested six suspects and confiscated cattle, sheep, goats and a horse with a total estimated value of R6.1 million during a two-week long operation in four districts in the province. According to warrant officer Majola Nkohli, the operation, which started on September 23, targeted the four hotspot districts, which are Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole. The suspects in the cases appeared in different courts and were sentenced on their first appearances. Asakhe Tshekula (20), from Tsolo, was sentenced to 180 days imprisonment, after he pleaded guilty for contravening the Stock Theft Act. He was found in possession of eight cattle and a horse. He was sentenced on his first court appearance on 30 September, Simphiwe Mbombo (55), from Tsolo, was sentenced to a fine of R 5 000 or three months imprisonment, after he was found in possession of a cow carcass. A 26-year-old man was nabbed for contravening the Stock Theft Act, after six stolen sheep were found from his kraal in the Eluqolweni location, Qumbu. Three men aged between the ages of 20 and 45 were nabbed as they are linked to several stock theft cases where 342 cattle, 408 sheep, 28 goats and a horse were confiscated. More than 80 people were fined for contravening the Animal Identification Act, while four butcheries in KwaBhaca were served with notices for non-compliance. Nkohli said the recovered stock was taken to different pounds in towns such as Qumbu, Tsolo, and KwaBhaca. The owners are unknown as most stock is not branded.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, said stock theft is a challenge in the province, as most subsistence farmers are leaving their stock roaming unattended. "We appeal to stock owners to work with the police so that we overcome these challenges and that should start by a visit to the nearest SAPS stock theft and endangered species unit to be assisted with branding or tattooing of stock. It is a challenge to prosecute suspects if the stock is not branded," General Mene said.
WESTERN CAPE: Three more suspects, including a pastor, have been arrested for extorting money from Chinese owned shops in Milnerton on Sunday. The 51-year-old pastor was arrested on a bus enroute to Laingsburg on Wednesday night, while a security officer was arrested at the mall where the extortion occurred. His colleague, who also works at the mall was arrested yesterday at his Khayelitsha home. This brings the total number of suspects arrested in relation to the incident to twelve. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said eight police officers and three civilians appeared in court on Wednesday, where their case was postponed to 22 October 2024 for formal bail application. The cops remain in custody while the recently arrested suspects will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court today.
FREE STATE: Three illegal foreigners were arrested in Bronville for possession of copper cables and gold bearing material. The police, acting on intelligence-driven information, went to a house in Hani Park, and upon their arrival, a group of men fled the scene. Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said a search was conducted on the premises and two males were arrested for possession of copper cables, possession of gold bearing material and for being in the country illegally. A third suspect was also apprehended for possession of dangerous weapons. The police seized 100 kg of copper cables, two bags of gold bearing material estimated to weigh 100 kilograms and a knife. The suspects, aged 20, 46 and 53 will appear in the Welkom Magistrate's Court today.
