Cattle butchered with pangas on farm outside Tzaneen

Five cattle were slaughtered between 18:30pm and 20:45pm on Thursday after they were caught in snares and thereafter butchered with pangas and knives on a farm in Ofcolaco, Tzaneen, in Limpopo, says Willie Smit of Ofcolaco CPF.

A farmworker alerted Smit of his suspicion of possible poaching activity taking place on the farm, Letaba Herald reports.

Smit then alerted various security companies, including the Maake and Ofcolaco police.

They discovered the butchered cattle and dog units were deployed to track the poachers.

The believed getaway vehicle, a Ford Explorer bakkie, was found near the scene.

When one takes a look at the images of the butchered cattle, one can all, but deduce that the suspects are well-versed in slaughtering animals.

“The suspects were tracked for about 19km in the Pharare Village where two of the suspects were arrested in two different locations. The meat was found in their possession and their clothes were full of blood,” Smit said.

According to Smit, there is a butchery/tavern in the village, and it is alleged the meat would’ve been sold to this business.

Smith would like to thank the Gravelotte and Maake police, Maggie Matabula, and all other key role players involved in the tracking of the suspects.

“Thanks to all that helped, you are all champs,” Smit said.

Police are on the lookout for the remaining suspect who is still at large.

– Caxton News Service

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