Police arrest a suspect after found in possession of cattle carcasses

The driver of a bakkie that was found loaded with two cattle carcasses, was remanded in custody upon appearance in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 5 January 2024, for possession of suspected stolen goods.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday, 4 January 2024, after members of Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) and K9 Unit, operationalised information pertaining to possible theft of livestock. Thus, the members kept an observation until the suspects’ vehicle; a GWM bakkie was spotted in Market Street, Vryburg in the early hours of Thursday morning, 4 January 2024. Consequently, the bakkie was stopped at a petrol filing station for a search. Although two passengers evaded arrest, the driver; Tshokolo Alfred McCarthy (40) was nabbed. At the back of the bakkie, the police found the carcasses, which were later positively identified by the farm manager through serial numbers on ear tags. The suspect’s vehicle was seized and the carcasses were handed to the lawful owner.

The accused is expected to reappear at the same court on Wednesday, 10 January 2024, for further investigation and possible bail application.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the members for rapid response and patience that resulted in the arrest relating to stock theft, which is a concern especially in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.