FREE STATE. – Heilbron's stock theft and endangered species unit is investigating a case after a total of 45 sheep with an estimated value of R151 000 went missing from a farm near Steynsrus. Some of the sheep that had their throats cut were later found on a gravel road.
Brig. Thandi Mbambo, police spokesperson, says the stock theft case was opened at Steynsrus police station, after which the investigation was taken over by the specialist unit. According to Frederick Christiaan Joubert (54), a farmer who lives on Somerset East farm, the shortfall was noticed on Saturday during a livestock count at Rietvlei farm. Friday's initial count showed 186 sheep, consisting of 85 SA Meat Merino ewes and 101 SA Meat Merino lambs. During the count the following day there were only 69 ewes and 72 lambs on the farm. A total of 45 sheep, consisting of 16 ewes and 29 lambs, went missing. The combined value of the missing sheep is estimated at R151 000. Police say it is alleged that some of the sheep were found along the Steynsrus-Arlington gravel road, where they lay scattered with their throats cut.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can call AO Henry Greeff on 082 627 7577.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
