THE Kokstad Stock Theft Unit worked tirelessly tracing suspects allegedly involved in livestock theft at Umzimkhulu area.
Their hard work yielded positive results on Thursday with the arrest of three accused near Mandeni, found in possession of 22 stolen goats.
The suspects aged between 18 and 60 appeared at the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on Friday, charged with stock theft.
It is reported the owner of 33 goats locked them inside the kraal at Goso Township, near Umzimkhulu on 1 May and went to bed.
The following day she noticed all her goats, valued at over R49 000 were missing.
A case of stock theft was opened at Insikeni Police Station and the Kokstad Stock Theft Unit took over the investigation.
On Thursday the investigating team received information and went to Mandeni area where 22 of the animals were found.
They were positively identified by the owner and three suspects were arrested.
Police are still searching for the 11 remaining goats.
KZN Commissioner Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the Kokstad Stock Theft Unit for a job well done.
‘Livestock theft is a challenge in our province and the arrested suspects will be thoroughly investigated, to see if they are linked to other stock theft cases in the province.
‘I also appeal to the owners to report livestock theft immediately and to ensure they brand-mark their stock in terms of the Animal Identification Act,’ Ngobeni said.
