The Petrusville police have arrested a 33-year-old male suspect in connection with the alleged theft of livestock in the Revonia location, Petrusville.
The incident occurred between Sunday, 13 July and Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
The arrest followed a report by a local small-scale farmer who noticed one of his sheep missing and requested police intervention.
Upon investigation, officers traced the suspect to a residence where they discovered a sheep carcass and skin matching the description provided by the complainant. The suspect was immediately apprehended.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) urges farmers and livestock owners to implement the following safety tips to help prevent stock theft:
- Ensure all fences and gates are in good condition and regularly maintained.
- Promptly repair any holes in or under fences.
- Personally inspect livestock rather than relying solely on employees.
- Secure kraals or enclosures where animals are kept.
- Be especially vigilant during full moons, weekends, month-ends, and other high-risk periods.
- Get to know your neighbours.
- Conduct regular livestock counts—at least once per week.
- Maintain an up-to-date and thorough stock register.
- Brand livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Visit the SAPS Stock Theft Unit to obtain branding application forms.
- Consider installing CCTV cameras and other security technologies.
- Make use of community helplines established in partnership with SAPS, farmers’ unions, and local communities.
- Immediately report unfamiliar animals or suspicious individuals at grazing or kraal sites to SAPS and your neighbours.
- Avoid employing undocumented individuals. Ensure all employees are properly vetted and documented to assist with investigations if necessary.
SAPS encourages all livestock owners to cooperate with the South African Police Service and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) to combat stock theft effectively.
Members of the public with information on illegal stock theft activities are urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, via the MySAPS App, or report directly to their nearest Stock Theft Unit.
