Man caught transporting 26 stolen goats in a Ford Ranger bakkie
Police patrol
Livestock of 26 goats at the back of the Ford Ranger bakkie after the driver was intercepted by police along the R556.
Image: SAPS / Facebook
A ROUTINE police patrol led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man found transporting 26 unmarked goats in his Ford Ranger bakkie in near Sun City, in the North West.
Unable to provide proof of ownership, the suspect now faces charges of possession of suspected stolen livestock.
Members of the Phokeng SAPS were patrolling along the R556 in the early hours of Thursday when they noticed a suspicious Ford Ranger bakkie.
The vehicle was stopped at Sun City-Lula four-way stop at around 12:30am.
Police said the driver was the only occupant of the vehicle.
The Ford Ranger bakkie that was caught transporting suspected stolen livestock.
Image: SAPS / Facebook
On searching the bakkie, the officers discovered 26 goats packed at the back.
The man was unable to give a satisfactory explanation about the ownership or origin of the animals and was immediately arrested.
“The driver could not provide any proof of ownership or a reasonable explanation as to where the goats came from, as a result he was arrested for possession of suspected stolen livestock,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane.
The suspect is expected to appear before Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in Tlhabane today.
Police added that the goats were found without any identification marks, and investigations were continuing to determine their rightful owner.
Community members who may have lost livestock are encouraged to report the matter to their nearest police station.