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AUTHORITIES are intensifying their search for four suspects, who are believed to be working in the Kuruman area in the Northern Cape, in connection with a cattle theft and poisoning incident near Vryburg in the North West.
A 38-year-old man is scheduled to appear before the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to stock theft and malicious damage to property relating to two incidents that took place in December 2023.
The man, who is believed to be the ring leader, and his four accomplices allegedly stole eight cattle and also poisoned 44 others at a farm outside Bray near Vryburg.
North West police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said the provincial investigation and tracing teams were tasked with leading the investigation of the cases.
The investigation led the team to Morokweng where the suspected ring leader was arrested on May 17, 2024, after being positively linked to the two cases.
Funani added that the search continues for four other suspects who are said to be working in the Kuruman area.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the North West, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, has applauded the investigation team for their breakthrough in cracking the case with the arrest of the suspected ring leader.
Kwena has also instructed that “no stone must be left unturned” in ensuring that the remaining suspects are brought to book.