The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has intercepted two separate stock theft cases in the Gert Sibande District, recovering more than 30 animals in a single morning.
In the first incident, security patrols in Amersfoort spotted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Morgenzon on 27 September. When ordered to stop, the driver sped off before abandoning the vehicle after a puncture on a nearby farm. Police searched the car and found 11 sheep, later confirmed to have been stolen. A case of stock theft was opened, and the Ermelo Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit is investigating.
On the same day in Mayflower, three suspects were seen driving cattle near the Eswatini border. They fled when approached, but 22 cattle were recovered. Brandmarks confirmed the livestock belonged to an Eswatini farmer, and the animals were safely returned with the help of Eswatini authorities.
Police have not made any arrests yet, but investigations into both cases are continuing.
The SAPS has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that stock theft remains a serious threat to rural livelihoods.
