Northern Cape, South Africa, Setlagole: The Thuntsha Lerole joint law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of four male suspects who were found with five heifers cramp loaded behind the bakkie on the N18 in Setlagole.
Members of the law enforcement noticed a vehicle that was slowing down as it approached the operation and suddenly entered the rural road going to the nearby village. The officers pursued it, and soon enough suspects were taken to the Setlagole Police Station.
The driver and passengers in a utility bakkie with a Northern Cape registration number failed to produce documentation for transporting the livestock nor proof of ownership during the questioning.
As management of the Setlagole Police Station explained to the Head of Department, Dr Hans Kekana, during an oversight visit, stock theft is one of the most reported crimes in their policing precinct. This is the case, too, at the nearby Madibogo Police Station in the Ratlou Local Municipality. As part of the Thuntsha Lerole activities, the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management oversights local police stations.
The Department’s HoD, Dr Hans Kekana, applauded the joint law enforcement officers for their sense of attention that led to the arraignment of the suspects.
“This arrest is the true reflection of Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme’s objectives. We are here to protect the communities and their assets against these heartless criminals. Livestock is the lifeblood of people in villages, and thieves just rob them of their livelihood and even further worsen the poverty in rural areas,” said Dr Kekana.
Communities were given an opportunity to engage with the Provincial government leadership and further received government services during the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
One of the residents said, “Our money, our tax payers are waiting for nothing.. where’s our CPF.”