Koopmansfontein CPA questions farm access after goats stolen, suspect arrested

THE KOOPMANSFONTEIN Communal Property Association (CPA) is questioning how a man arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock gained access through several locked gates on the farm.

Koopmansfontein CPA secretary Glen Namies said there is only one set of keys for the gates leading to the area where the goats were kept.

He indicated that 25 goats belonging to a farmer who rents land on Koopmansfontein farm were loaded onto a bakkie.

“The police stopped the vehicle along the R31, where curtains were hung over the windows to conceal the stolen goats,” said Namies.

Namies claimed that the man arrested in connection with the alleged stock theft, Benedict Tshogang, is an ANC branch leader at Smith’s Mine. The ANC, however, did not confirm his membership or respond to media enquiries.

Namies added that the Koopmansfontein CPA had previously opened a case at the Delportshoop police station in 2020 after a member of the CPA allegedly sold 256 cattle without the consent of the executive committee or beneficiaries.

“The 256 cattle were donated to the CPA by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in 2019. The CPA never benefited from the proceeds of the sale of the livestock, which was valued at around R15 million,” he said.

Police investigating a case of stock theft

Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane was only able to confirm the suspected theft of eight goats. 

“The police in Delportshoop are investigating the possession of suspected stolen livestock after a 52-year-old man was caught with suspected stolen goats,” said Pilane.

“On February 1, a member of Delportshoop SAPS was travelling on the R31 between Delportshoop and Barkly West when he noticed a suspicious light delivery vehicle fitted with curtains on the canopy.”

He added that eight goats were discovered at the back of the vehicle when police stopped and searched it.

“The driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership of the animals when questioned.

“He was arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. He is expected to appear in the Delportshoop Magistrate’s Court. The investigation continues,” Pilane said.

National Prosecuting Authority Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed that the accused has been charged with stock theft and was granted bail of R500.