Members of the Mthatha Public Order Police (POP) arrested two male suspects on Wednesday morning for the possession of suspected stolen sheep and an unlicensed firearm.
The arrest took place at approximately 08:00 on 04 March 2026 in the Ncise locality, Mthatha. The suspects, aged 35 and 36, are residents of the Rasmeni locality in Ngcobo.
According to police reports, officers operationalized intelligence regarding a vehicle transporting suspected stolen livestock. Police spotted an Isuzu bakkie matching the description in the Ncise area and conducted a search.
Upon searching the individuals, the 35-year-old suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with an erased serial number, along with fourteen live rounds of ammunition. Neither of the two men could provide documentary proof of purchase or permission to transport the 23 sheep found in their possession.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the sheep were allegedly stolen from farms in the Ngcobo area and were en route to be sold in the Mthatha Link locality.
The Isuzu bakkie was impounded by police as it was used in the commission of a crime. The confiscated firearm has been booked in and will be sent for ballistic testing to determine if it was used in other criminal activities.
The duo is scheduled to appear before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 06 March 2026. Both face a charge of possession of suspected stolen livestock. The 35-year-old suspect faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.