South African police have arrested two men in Kanana in connection with the theft of eight cattle, following an intelligence-led operation carried out on Saturday, 17 January 2026, the South African Police Service said.
The arrests were made by members of the Kanana police, supported by the Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Team, Provincial Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management, and the Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit, according to a media statement issued by Constable Thuto Bobelo.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Crime Intelligence had received information regarding the whereabouts of suspects linked to a reported case of stock theft in the area. Acting on the tip-off, police traced the suspects and found them in possession of eight cattle.
“The suspects were found in possession of eight cattle that they could not account for,” the police said.
The two men were immediately arrested and are expected to be charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. Police said the suspects also failed to produce valid identification documents and will face additional charges for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Both suspects, aged 36, are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 January 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner in the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the officers involved in the operation for their efforts in tracing and arresting the suspects.
He also reminded livestock owners that it is compulsory to mark cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in accordance with the Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002).