FOUR SUSPECTS REMAIN IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING R87,000 STOCK THEFT IN MIDDELBURG

Four men aged between 36 and 42 have appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged stock theft incident in which six cattle, valued at approximately R87,000, were targeted at a farm in Middelburg.

The suspects appeared in court on Thursday, 29 October 2026, following their arrest on Wednesday morning.

According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 02:40 on 28 October when the farmer was awakened by an employee who alerted him that unknown individuals were cutting the farm's perimeter fence.

The farmer and his employee rushed to the scene, where they allegedly found the suspects cutting the fence and driving six cattle towards nearby bushes.

The farmer subsequently called on neighbouring farmers for assistance. A joint pursuit resulted in the apprehension of four suspects across the road, near the bushes.

A maroon Mazda Thunder station wagon bearing Mpumalanga registration plates, believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, was also found at the scene.

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a black plastic sheet suspected to have been intended for covering meat after the slaughtering of the cattle.

Further investigations in the surrounding area led to the discovery of cattle hides bearing brand marks, meat and two live calves.

The value of the stolen livestock is estimated at R87,000.

The four arrested suspects have been identified as Vusi Mahlangu (42), Nkosinathi Vilakazi (37), Wiseman Mgidlana (42) and Thulani Nkosi (36).

During their court appearance, bail was not granted. The matter was postponed to 5 November 2026 for further investigation, with all four suspects remaining in custody.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the farmers for their cooperation with the police and for allowing the law to take its course rather than resorting to mob justice.

Police have reiterated the importance of cooperation between farming communities and law enforcement agencies in the fight against stock theft.