Three men were arrested after police allegedly found them transporting suspected stolen cattle in a vehicle travelling from North West to the Free State, authorities said on Thursday.
According to the South African Police Service, members of Provincial Intelligence received information during the early hours of Thursday morning about a white Isuzu bakkie towing a trailer in the Derby and Ventersdorp area.
Investigations later revealed that the vehicle was heading towards Parys while carrying cattle.
Police activated various law enforcement units, including officers in Parys, while community members also assisted in tracking the vehicle.
The suspects were eventually intercepted and found transporting ten cattle. Police said the men failed to provide proof of ownership or give a satisfactory explanation regarding the livestock.
The trio was immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen livestock.
Further investigations linked the suspects to a stock theft case that had earlier been reported in Potchefstroom, police said. The recovered cattle were later returned to their rightful owner.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 40, are expected to appear before the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 May 2026, on charges related to possession of suspected stolen property.
Police said investigations into the matter are continuing.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, praised the swift response by police officers and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
Naidoo said cooperation between communities and law enforcement remained vital in combating crime and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.