Suspects arrested for stolen goats and bribery attempt in KwaZulu-Natal

Stock theft remains a growing problem in KwaZulu-Natal, and the latest case in Bulwer highlighted not only theft but also attempted corruption. Police seized 51 stolen goats during a routine vehicle checkpoint on 28 August, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Police uncover stolen livestock

According to police spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo, officers stopped a vehicle transporting goats near Bulwer. The two men inside failed to produce the necessary documentation for the livestock. Investigations later confirmed the animals were stolen in Sandlwana, Bergville, and were being moved to Bulwer, Donnybrook, and Elandskop for sale.

The suspects were immediately detained and charged with possession of stolen property.

Bribery attempt at Bulwer Police Station

The case escalated the following morning. Two more men arrived at the Bulwer Police Station and allegedly tried to bribe the Station Commander with R5000. Their demand: release the stolen goats and the vehicle.

Instead of accepting, the Station Commander had the men arrested on the spot. The suspects, aged 38 and 47, now face charges of bribery and corruption.

Four suspects to appear in court

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the bribery suspects are directly linked to the original stock theft. All four men are expected to appear before the Bulwer Magistrate’s Court on 1 September.

Stock theft: A persistent issue in rural KZN

The incident highlights the seriousness of stock theft in KwaZulu-Natal’s rural areas, where livestock plays a central role in livelihoods and local economies. Communities in Bergville and surrounding regions have repeatedly voiced frustration about theft syndicates targeting cattle, sheep, and goats.

Police say they are tightening livestock transportation checks, but the latest arrests show that criminals are also trying to corrupt the system from within.

{Source: TheSouthAfrican}

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