Krugersdorp crocodiles missing
Crocodiles missing in Krugersdorp. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Home » Three arrested for stealing a Nile crocodile

Three arrested for stealing a Nile crocodile

On 24 April, three suspects aged between 20 and 35 are expected to face charges before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court for being in possession of a stolen Nile crocodile. ALSO READ: WATCH: Crocodile EATS another crocodile at Kruger National Park SUSPECTS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF STOLEN NILE CROCODILE The suspects were arrested on 20 April by Stilfontein Stock Theft and […]

24-04-23 13:08
Krugersdorp crocodiles missing
Crocodiles missing in Krugersdorp. Image: Wikimedia Commons

On 24 April, three suspects aged between 20 and 35 are expected to face charges before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court for being in possession of a stolen Nile crocodile.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Crocodile EATS another crocodile at Kruger National Park

SUSPECTS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF STOLEN NILE CROCODILE

The suspects were arrested on 20 April by Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit members.

They acted on a tip-off that a crocodile was stolen from a farm in Hartebeesfontein.

Along with Nature Conservation officials, they located an abandoned farmhouse where they discovered the crocodile hidden under tree branches.

The police returned the crocodile, valued at R25 000, to its rightful owner.

They also seized the vehicle used in the commission of the crime.

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ANOTHER INCIDENT OF STOCK THEFT

Stilfontein STES investigated a separate incident and presented Thatho Nhlapo before the Stilfontein Magistrates Court on 19 April for being in possession of suspected stolen cattle.

After a shepherd witnessed three men chasing two cows in an open field along the R509 road, close to Khuma, and alerted his employer, they arrested Nhlapo on 17 April.

ALSO READ: Horrific footage of Nile crocodile biting man during a public show at KwaZulu-Natal

Farmers in the area mobilized and arrested Nhlapo before handing him over to the police.

The suspects abandoned two cows in the field, while they were caught with two others, and the authorities are still searching for one that is missing.

Initial investigations revealed that the cattle belong to a farmer in Free State Province.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police officers, Nature Conservation officials, farmers, and members of the community for their cooperation, which led to these successes.

Nhlapo will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 26 April. Meanwhile, the two remaining suspects in the Nile crocodile theft are still at large.

This article was originally published by Michelle Swart.

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