Six African males, aged between 44 and 61, are scheduled to appear before the Wesselsbron Magistrate’s Court today facing charges of stock theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
The arrests follow an incident on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at a farm in the Wesselsbron area where 20 sheep were stolen. According to police reports, the theft was captured on the farm’s CCTV system. The footage allegedly showed a white Nissan NP200 at the scene, and the vehicle’s registration number was visible.
The information was operationalized by a joint team consisting of the Odendaalsrus Stock Theft Unit, Crime Intelligence, and the Welkom Public Order Police.
An investigation traced the vehicle to an owner residing in Thabong. Upon arrival at the address, police spoke with an individual who provided information on the vehicle’s whereabouts. This led officers to another house in the Freedom Square area. A search of the premises uncovered three live sheep. The male suspect at that location was unable to provide documentation proving lawful possession of the animals.
Further investigation led police to a house in Welkom, where a search revealed two sheep carcasses. While en route to a third identified location, officers observed an African male carrying a black plastic bag. A search of the bag revealed a sheep carcass. Subsequent information then led to the discovery of another sheep carcass inside a white Volkswagen minibus.
All suspects in connection with the discoveries were unable to provide documentation for the sheep and carcasses found in their possession. The recovered livestock and carcasses were positively identified by the lawful owner.
Police have confiscated three live sheep, four sheep carcasses, a white Nissan NP200, and a white Volkswagen minibus suspected of being used in the commission of the crime. The six suspects were arrested and detained on charges related to the incident.