JOE GQABI DISTRICT – The Joe Gqabi District Stock Theft Task Team that operated in the Nqanarhu and Ugie area yielded the following successes:
On 04 and 05 September 2025, the task team focused on high visibility stop-and-searches in hotspot areas of Ugie and Nqanqarhu areas. During the operation, information was followed up of a suspect of Ncembu administration area who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
It is alleged that the suspect randomly shoots at night and threatens people with the firearm and is also alleged to be involved in stock theft. The information was followed and the premises was searched, a 9mm pistol with one magazine and six live ammunition was found underneath his pillow. On investigation, Police requested the licence and he was not in a position to provide any licence for the firearm. The 59-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In an unrelated incident, the team stopped a Toyota bakkie in the Umga Flats area also known for stock theft. On initial investigation, it was found that the bakkie was transporting undocumented persons from Mozambique suspected to be involved in stock theft. The seven people between the ages of 18 and 31 were arrested on a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act.
The arrested persons will appear before their respective magistrate courts on Monday, 08 September 2025.
The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Major General Lindelwa Vellem applauded the Stock Theft Task Team for the arrests and confiscations as stock theft is a priority crime in the District and said a criminal conduct that threatens the lively hood of farmers will not be tolerated.
