According to Heidelberg SAPS media liaison officer Capt Thivhulawi Tshilate, at the time of the arrest sector members Sgt Aubrey Skhosana and Sgt Vusi Mahlabane were conducting visible policing when they spotted a white minibus travelling from Balfour towards Heidelberg.
“When police signalled the taxi driver to stop, he accelerated and sped-off. Police chased the taxi until they cornered in the Houtpoort area south of Heidelberg town,” said Tshilate.
“While police were walking towards the minibus, the occupants opened the side door and fled, but the driver was apprehended.
“Upon searching the vehicle, police found cattle carcasses.”
The Sedibeng District Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit was called to investigate the case.
The investigations by WO Jaco Viljoen and WO von Wielligh, with Heidelberg SAPS rural safety coordinator WO Jacques Bierman, led to the discovery of the scene in the Balfour policing area where the cattle were slaughtered.
“Police found carcasses, a bull and a live cow with chopped off legs lying in the water,” said Tshilate.
Police launched a manhunt of the remaining suspects presumed to be from Protea in Soweto.
The Heidelberg SAPS acting station commander, Lt-Col Nompumelelo Dlamini, applauded police members for the cautiousness and effectiveness of policing, as well as monitoring and enforcing lockdown regulations.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of the suspects or who might know individuals involved in the case to report anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPSApp, alternatively via SMS to Crime Line on 32211.
The arrested taxi driver is expected to appear in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court soon.
