Four arrested for stock theft in Mahalapye
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday October 29, 2025 06:00
The matter was reported by a 38-year-old man from Xhosa 1 ward, Mahalapye, recently, after discovering that his goats had gone missing.
Confirming the incident, Mahalapye Central Police Station commander, Superintendent Meshack Ranku, said the four suspects, aged between 32 and 42, were arrested at Radisele village after being found in possession of eight goats suspected to have been stolen.
“The suspects, two from Ramosimane ward in Tewane, one from Xhosa 1 ward in Mahalapye, and another from Serorome Lands, had gone to Radisele Kgotla seeking police clearance for the livestock. However, during the interview, it emerged that the goats were stolen from Lose Lands,' Ranku said.
He said the owner later positively identified the goats as his, confirming that they went missing on October 20, 2025.
“The accused persons are currently in police custody whilst investigations continue. They will either appear before the Mahalapye Customary Court or the Mahalapye Magistrate's Court sometime this week,” he added. Ranku expressed concern over the rising number of stock theft cases in the Mahalapye policing area, revealing that a total of 42 cases have been recorded this year alone.
He noted that many of the reported incidents involve multiple animals, calling on livestock owners to remain vigilant and to brand their animals for easier identification.