MTHATHA – One hundred and twenty-one (121) cattle, one hundred and eleven (111) goats, fifty-seven (57) sheep and eight (8) horses were recovered during a cross border operation conducted by police in OR Tambo District from 19 February 2021 to date.
Police spokesperson Capt Khaya Tonjeni say the operation, supported by Provincial and King Sabata Dalindyebo traffic services is a direct response to the rise in stock theft ridden places like Bityi, Mthatha, Mt Frere, Libode, Sulenkama, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Tsolo.
He says the operation is targeted at combating stock theft, the proliferation of illegal weapons and general crime. Its impact is expected to reach OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani districts.
Forty suspects (two females and 38 males) aged between 21 and 58 were arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen stock and possession/dealing in drugs.
Tonjeni says six (6) firearms and (47) ammunition, thirty-seven (37) knives and five (5) cellphones were also recovered during the operation
In an effort to enforce compliance to road rules, three (3) J534’s and thirty (30) traffic fines amounting to thirty thousand six hundred rands (R30 600-00) were issued for different traffic offences during the operation.
Twelve (12) awareness campaigns were conducted during this period by local communication. One (1) unlicensed liquor outlet was closed.
Two hundred and forty thousand rands (R240 000-00) worth of drugs were confiscated in the district namely crystal meth (tik), dagga, woonga and mandrax.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members for the breakthrough and affirmed to the public that police will do their best to fight stock theft in the province. She implored the public to support this initiative with valuable information, Tonjeni concludes.