The formation of the District Stock Theft Task Team is beginning to show positive results in the OR Tambo District, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This follows the arrest of two men for their suspected involvement in stock theft on Thursday.

On Thursday, at around 01:00, members from the task team operationalised intelligence information.

A homestead in Blackhill was searched, where a 37-year-old man was found in possession of nine sheep. The suspect alleged that he exchanged his two horses for the sheep.

Police followed up on the information and were led to a homestead in Mjikelweni, where they interviewed a 21-year-old man who denied knowledge of such an exchange.

The police found the second man in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The 37-year-old man was charged for being in possession of suspected stolen property. A firearm with no serial number was confiscated and the sheep were taken to the nearest municipal pound for investigation.

Both suspects are due to appear in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, has applauded the task team for their excellent work in fighting stock theft in the district.

“We urge farmers, especially in areas that are known as hotspot areas to work closely with the Task Team,” Modishana said.