Two men, both aged 38, were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 4 November 2025, for stock theft valued at approximately R100 000. The arrests took place along the N17 between Leslie and Devon, following an operation by the Leslie SAPS Crime Prevention Unit.

According to police reports, officers were conducting routine patrols and stop-and-search operations at around 04:55 when they spotted a white bakkie with a canopy and Gauteng registration plates heading towards Devon. The vehicle was stopped, and officers requested to search it.

During the search, police discovered five slaughtered cattle carcasses inside the bakkie. The driver failed to provide a valid explanation for the meat, leading to the immediate arrest of both occupants on charges of stock theft.

The carcasses, which were brand-marked, were seized and booked into SAPS storage as evidence, along with the vehicle, pending further investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Leslie Periodical Court soon.