OR Tambo Stock Theft Prevention Task Team recovers suspected stolen stock in Tsolo and Qumbu

The OR Tambo District Stock Theft Prevention Task Team operating in stock theft hotspot areas mostly Bityi, Tsolo, Qumbu, Mthatha and Libode within the district recovered 109 sheep in Tsolo and 98 cattle in Qumbu all stolen/suspected to be stolen on Wednesday, 08 October 2025 from 01:00 until midday with thieves abandoning the stock on police sight.

At about 00:55 the team was busy patrolling Mthatha area when through Radio Control (10111) were informed about sheep being stolen in Mhlakulo locality – Tsolo and quickly rushed to intervene after thieves broke the kraal stealing 109 mixed sheep to an estimated value of R189 000,00. The team accompanied by the owner quickly recovered all 109 stolen sheep abandoned whilst in Mahlungulu locality – Qumbu, the task team received information about 98 mixed cattle to an estimated value of R890 000,00 monitored by suspects in the grazing fields all suspected to be stolen and on arrival, there were no suspects on sight. All 98 mixed cattle were taken to Qumbu Municipality stock pound. Some cattle had different tattoos whilst others had no tattoos at all and police urge anyone with stolen/missing stock to visit both Tsolo and Qumbu Municipality stock pounds as recoveries of suspected stolen stock are always kept in those pounds.

The Acting OR Tambo District Commissioner, Brigadier Vukile Ntuli applauded the team for its efforts in preventing stocktheft and warned culprits that their days are numbered as police are right on their heels.