Trio under investigation for stock theft

Goodhope Police Station commander, Superintendent Mogogi Matlhaba said prior to the trio's arrest they had received a tip off that they were seen branding cattle suspected to be stolen, which they failed to account for upon interrogation by the police.

Matlhaba stated that the trio, all working in the area, are aged between 32 and 44 years of age.

"We suspect that they might have discovered that the calves were not familiar in the area hence the decision to brand them for themselves. They used one of their brandmark to brand the stolen cattle," he said.

Matlhaba said they have managed to locate the owners of the cattle who have since identified them and disclosed that they have been missing for six months now. He encouraged farmers in the area to look after their cattle expressing a concern that most farmers don't kraal their livestock, always seen roaming around and causing unnecessary accidents which some turn fatal along the busy A1 Highway.

"We also plead with farmers to brand their calves as early as possible to avoid them being targeted by stock thieves," Matlhaba said.