JOHANNESBURG - Police in Villa Nora are appealing to the public to help identify the rightful owner of 20 goats recovered during a multidisciplinary operation in the Marken policing area on Monday.
The animals were recovered after detectives, crime prevention officers, security police and crime intelligence members acted on information about a vehicle suspected of transporting stolen livestock.
Officers intercepted the vehicle and recovered the goats, which are now being kept in police custody while investigators work to establish who owns them.
The case has been transferred to the Modimolle Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit for further investigation.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised the officers involved, saying stock theft continues to have a devastating impact on farming communities and emerging livestock owners.
He urged anyone who may have lost goats matching the recovered animals, or who has information that could help identify the rightful owner, to contact Detective Sergeant Arnold Maledi, their nearest police station, the Crime Stop hotline or submit information through the MySAPS App.
Police investigations are continuing.