Cross-Border stock theft in Eastern Cape addressed in Operation Maluti 2016
Eastern Cape – Operation Maluti 2016, a well-coordinated Trilateral Anti-Crime operation in the borders between South Africa, Lesotho, KwaZulu Natal and Free State yielded desired results with at least 16 cattle (value R144 000.00) recovered and repatriated to Lesotho complainants, while 4 goats (value -R4000.00), three (3) sheep (value – R3000.00) and one (1) horse (value – R3000.00) were also recovered and impounded in Matatiele Pound as two parties disputed about the ownership of the livestock between the 16 -19 March 2016.
This multi-disciplinary operation by SAPS, SANDF (South African National Defence Force, NIA (National Intelligence Agency) and the Home Affairs Department was aimed at combating cross border crimes like stock theft, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and vehicle theft. A decision to have this operation was taken after a steady increase in reported cases of transnational border crime like stock theft, smuggling of firearms, stolen vehicles and drugs was noticed.
The operation started on Tuesday 16-19 March 2016 at Maluti in Matatiele with visits to five (5) stock posts / farms, four ( 4) vehicle stop and search operations with at least 384 vehicles checked and 1541 persons searched for possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, firearms and immigration status.
Twelve (12) cases ranging from property theft, possession of suspected stolen stock, possession of dagga, stock theft (goats and cattle and one horse) were opened at Afsondering SAPS and seven (7) suspects aged between 22 and 37 will soon appear in the Maluti Magistrate’s Court facing various charges related to stock theft. One suspect(22) was arrested for not having legal documents to be in the country and Home Affairs will follow up with the case. More arrests are imminent pending further investigations.
