Foreign nationals busted in cattle meat illegal backyard butchery

A crackdown on cattle theft has led to the arrest of three foreign nationals operating an illegal backyard butchery in Limpopo.
Takutso Dube 31,Johannes Imbayo 38, , and Mercy Masungiso 27, face charges of stock theft, malicious damage, and immigration violations.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, the investigation began with a report of suspicious meat sales in the Greenside area of Westenburg, outside Polokwane.
“The suspects were arrested while busy cutting and packaging stolen cow meat,” Ledwaba explained.
Further investigation revealed that the cattle were stolen from Moletjie Moshate the previous night, with a case of stock theft registered at Seshego Police Station.

The trio has been charged with:

1. Stock theft
2. Malicious damage to property
3. Contravening the Immigration Act

They appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were remanded in custody until September 17, 2024, pending further police investigation.

The police have warned the public to be vigilant when purchasing meat from unknown sources.

“We urge anyone with information on similar illegal activities to come forward,” Ledwaba said.