HARRISMITH – The Harrismith Rural Safety coordinator, Warrant Officer Kleingeld in joint collaboration with famers, farm workers, Afriforum and private security have over two consecutive days recovered 18 livestock (cattle and goats) which were reportedly stolen.

It is alleged that on the night of Tuesday, 17 May 2022, police received information with regard to suspected stolen cattle, three cows and six calves, from a certain farm Harrismith area. There were three cows and six calves. With the assistance from farmers and farm workers, police conducted waylay duties with the use of a drone to search the area. The livestock was spotted near a farm however, the suspects could not be found. All three cows and six calves were recovered and handed over to lawful owner.

On Wednesday, 18 May 2022, an armed robbery incident at a certain farm where a herdsman was seriously wounded, was reported. In the process 11 goats were stolen. Police immediately responded, with the assistance from farmers, private security company and a search was conducted through high definition cameras covering some of the access routes which were monitored. The Kestell Stock Theft Unit made a follow up and recovered nine goats close to QwaQwa. The recovered livestock were handed over to the lawful owner. Police are investigating a case of stock theft.

Source: South African Police Service