Stolen cattle and sheep were recovered during police operations along the Lesotho border, Free State police said on Tuesday.
Spokesman Sergeant Mmako Mophiring said most of the stolen cattle, some 205 head, were recovered in the former Qwaqwa area during police actions during December 2011.
This included cattle allegedly stolen in Lesotho and from Qwaqwa farmers. The livestock recovered in Qwaqwa included 40 sheep, eight goats and several donkeys.
Mophiring said the area most affected by livestock thefts were Monontsa, Tseki and Tseseng.
“Livestock theft is a major concern here,” Mophiring said.
Fourteen people were arrested and charged with livestock theft.
“Most of the recovered animals were handed over to their lawful owners, whilst others were still kept in police pounds for further identification.”
Twenty-four illegal immigrants were also arrested in Qwaqwa. Others were arrested near Fouriesburg.
During police operations near Fouriesburg, police seized 67 cattle along the border and the Caledon River area. Charges of illegal grazing were also being investigated. All the cattle were taken to Bethlehem for safe keeping. – Sapa