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Kwanalu

KZN police clamp down on bullish livestock thieves

2017-12-20 11:40

Durban – KwaZulu-Natal police have clamped down on stock theft this festive season, with 64 suspects already arrested for various stock-related crimes since the beginning of December.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said the Glencoe and Ladysmith stock theft unit, together with crime intelligence, embarked on operations in northern KwaZulu-Natal from December 3 to 15, nabbing the 64 suspects.

He said they were arrested for various crimes related to stock theft including armed robberies, as well as possession of drugs and possession of unlicensed firearms.

He added that a total of 93 suspected stolen cattle, seven goats and 28 sheep were recovered during the operations.

Zwane said police focused their attention in Dundee, Pomeroy, Danhauser, Madadeni, Newcastle and Ladysmith.

He said 22 of the arrested suspects were charged with stock theft and a total of 42 suspects were charged for failing to brand their livestock “as required by the law”.

“Two unlicensed firearms and dagga were also found during the operations.”

KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner Major General Bheki Langa commended police.

“We appeal to livestock owners to take extra precautions during this festive season and make sure that they look after their livestock. They must also brand-mark their livestock so that it will be easier to identify them when found by police.”