Qumbu police arrested a 26-year-old man at Blackhill on 30 July 2025, an important breakthrough in the fight against stock theft in the region. Acting on information received, officers intercepted two men herding five cattle. One suspect was arrested on the scene while the other managed to flee.
Further investigation revealed that the cattle had been stolen from the Lwandlana locality in KwaBhaca. The arrest led police to the suspect’s homestead, where ten sheep suspected to have been stolen in Sulenkama were also recovered.
Police later uncovered that three additional cattle linked to the case had already been sold and transported to Nqanqarhu. Efforts are currently underway to track down those involved in what appears to be a larger stock theft syndicate operating primarily from Qumbu.
The suspect is set to appear before the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen livestock. All recovered animals have been impounded at the Qumbu Municipality Stock Pound.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, commended the Qumbu police for their quick response and ongoing efforts to combat stock theft, which continues to affect rural communities and livelihoods across the district.
