The livestock that was recovered in Mayflower.
Livestock worth more than R290,000 has been recovered during a cross-border stock theft operation conducted at Ndonga Farm and Mafufumbe near Mayflower on September 21.
The operation, dubbed Operation Basadi, brought together members of the SAPS Stock Theft Unit and Endangered Species Unit from Elukwatini, Ermelo, Bethal and Middelburg, alongside the Royal Eswatini Police, South African National Defence Force and Visible Policing members.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, the operation targeted livestock suspected to be linked to separate stock theft cases reported in South Africa and Eswatini.
In the first recovery, livestock valued at approximately R160,000 was recovered and impounded at the Ermelo Pound. The haul included cattle, calves, carcasses and four sheep.
In a second incident, seven goats valued at about R22,000, reportedly stolen in a Chrissiesmeer case, were recovered after being found abandoned and tied with ropes at a grazing camp at Ndonga Farm.
Police also recovered 12 cattle valued at approximately R110,000, which are suspected to be linked to a Mayflower stock theft case.
The operation also saw police screen 129 cattle and 67 goats and sheep, conduct 19 searches and carry out five farm patrols.
No arrests were made during the operation.
Police issued three notices for alleged contraventions of the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002 and the Stock Theft Act.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat stock theft and strengthen cooperation along the South Africa Eswatini border.
