Cattle purchase turns FATAL in Vanderbijlpark
The NPA said van Tonder sold 31 cattle to Botha, which were valued at around R239,000.00. Botha allegedly murdered van Tonder when he went to settle payment.
A Vanderbijlpark man appeared in court for allegedly killing a seller after an arranged cattle purchase. Fredrick Pieter Jacobus Botha, 42, is accused of murdering Christiaan Van Tonder on 29 November 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) states Botha bought 31 cattle worth R239,000.00 from Van Tonder, according to IOL.
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NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Botha allegedly took Van Tonder to settle payment after the cattle purchase.
VAN TONDER ALLEGEDLY DROVE TO REMOTE AREA IN VANDERBIJLPARK FOR CATTLE PURCHASE
They reportedly drove to a remote area near Theoville plots, Barrage, where Botha allegedly shot and killed Van Tonder.
“This was discovered and reported to the police the same day by the neighbourhood watch of Barrage after they found the bakkie of the deceased with his body inside.”
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On August 29, 2023, the police arrested Botha following investigations. He faced murder and stock theft charges in Vanderbijlpark Court. Botha was held in police custody after his court appearance. The NPA stated the case would resume on September 4 for bail.
“Information regarding stock theft is kept confidential, as is the case with information that is provided in respect of any other crime.
“The witness protection programme is in place and is utilised, if necessary, for the individuals who provide information regarding crime,” he said.
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18 817 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED FOR CATTLE THEFT BETWEEN 2018/19 AND 2022/23
The police minister, Bheki Cele, reported 18,817 individuals were charged with cattle theft from 2018/19 to 2022/23.
KwaZulu-Natal led with 4,814 cases, trailed by the Eastern Cape (2,798), the North West (2,794), and others.
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HOTSPOTS FOR CATTLE THEFT
- In the Western Cape, the hot spots are Beaufort West, Murraysburg and Leeu Gamka.
- The hot spots in KwaZulu-Natal are Utrecht, Taylors Halt, Ladysmith, Ezakheni, Bergville and Elandslaagte.
- Gauteng’s hot spots are Bronkhorstpruit and Temba.