An investigations team formed by the provincial commissioner to investigate the alleged poisoning of 44 cattle and a suspected stock theft syndicate arrested six suspects in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. The arrests were made on Thursday (4/11) in Morokweng and Ganyesa, near Vryburg in North West.

The suspects are facing charges of theft, unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, and malicious damage to property for crimes committed between August 2022 and January 2024. Four of the suspects allegedly stole a Jojo water tank valued at R5,500 in Boshoek, while the other two were apprehended for possessing illegal ammunition and a shotgun. Another suspect is charged with maliciously damaging property in October 2023, with reports suggesting that the suspects intentionally bumped a private security company’s vehicle from the rear and pelted it with stones.

During the arrests, authorities seized a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie, ammunition, and two firearms. The accused, Lobelo Setlhabetsi (48), Moses Monchusi (47), Karabo Ditlamelo (31), Tshepiso Masite (32), Sarel de Lange (21), and White Basime (42), appeared before the Ganyesa magistrates’ court on Friday (5/10 and are currently in custody pending further proceedings, set for Tuesday (9/11).

OFM News/DB