THE police in North West recovered stolen cattle and arrested two thugs.
According to North West police spokesman, Captain Sam Tselanyane, the police arrested two suspects aged 47 and 48 for stock theft.
He said the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) unit responded to a tip-off from the community about two suspects believed to be involved in stock theft at Moshana Village.
"Upon receiving the information, police acted swiftly and arrested two suspects who were found looking after the cattle at Moshana Cattle Post situated at Lekker Dors farm," he said.
He said the 10 Bonsmara cattle valued at around R128 000 were allegedly stolen at Palmietfontein farm in the vicinity of Zeerust.
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"Preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were seen looking after the cattle for the past two weeks at Ditsobelo Cattle Post in Driefontein while looking for a buyer. On Friday, 29 December, one of the farmers in the area met with one of the suspects with the offer to buy the cattle.
He was referred to the other suspect who was at the time herding the cattle towards Swartkop direction. The farmer allegedly told the suspects that he didn't have money at the time but can keep the cattle on his farm, of which the suspects agreed.
"As a result, the police were informed and after obtaining witness statements, an entrapment was set and both suspects were arrested on the way to the farm," he said.
Tselanyane said the lawful owner was traced by means of the brand mark and the cattle were positively identified.
He added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Lehurutshe Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 2 January on a charge of stock theft.
North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest of the suspects and appreciated the partnership, which led to this arrest.
