A 54-year-old man has lost a vehicle worth R260,000 after being caught in the act of loading stolen cattle in Mpumalanga, in a case that highlights the state’s tough stance on organised crime and stock theft.

Mazithulele Gamede forfeited his Toyota Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) after he was arrested for stock theft during an incident that occurred on 22 February 2024 at around 21:00 in Lothair.

According to police reports, Gamede was caught loading two stolen cattle onto his vehicle when he was confronted by the complainant. During the confrontation, he allegedly assaulted the complainant. Police were immediately alerted and responded to the scene, where they found the cattle already loaded on a trailer and the suspect in the act of assaulting the complainant.

Gamede was arrested at the scene, and the matter was referred to Ermelo Stock