Police Recover Dozens of Livestock in OR Tambo Operations

Police in the OR Tambo District have recovered a large number of livestock suspected to have been stolen across multiple areas, while arresting a 23-year-old suspect in connection with stock theft.

The coordinated operations, carried out between 8 and 9 April 2026, led to the recovery of 59 sheep, 12 goats and five cattle in different parts of the district.

Suspect Arrested While Herding Stolen Sheep

In Mqanduli, officers from the Kwaaiman policing precinct acted on information and arrested a 23-year-old man on Thursday afternoon.

Police found the suspect herding 11 sheep believed to have been stolen from a kraal the previous night. The animals were later positively identified by their rightful owner.

Two other suspects who were allegedly involved managed to escape and are still being sought by police.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 10 April 2026, facing charges of unlawful possession of suspected stolen stock.

More Livestock Found in Abandoned Homesteads

In a separate operation under the Bityi policing precinct, police recovered 48 sheep and 12 goats from two abandoned homesteads in the Phingilili and Bhokisini areas.

The operation was led by the Station Commander, Lieutenant Mbunyuza, and Detective Commander Captain Mlilo, after receiving information about suspected stolen livestock being hidden at the properties.

Some of the recovered animals have already been identified by victims of stock theft.

Cattle Recovered in Qumbu

In another incident, the OR Tambo District Stock Theft Prevention Task Team recovered five cattle in Nxotwe locality near Qumbu.

The animals were reportedly unknown to the local community and were taken to the Qumbu municipal stock pound.

Victims Urged to Identify Animals

Police have urged residents who may have lost livestock to visit local municipal stock pounds, including those in Tsolo and Qumbu, to identify any animals that may belong to them.

Police Applaud Efforts to Combat Stock Theft

OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, commended officers involved in the operations, describing stock theft as a serious crime that deeply affects rural communities.

Stock theft remains a persistent issue in many parts of the Eastern Cape, often impacting livelihoods and food security for affected families.

Ongoing Investigations

Police investigations are continuing, including efforts to trace the suspects who fled during the Mqanduli arrest.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information related to stock theft to report it to their nearest police station.