The accused allegedly targeted farms around Rustenburg, Brits, Lethabong and Assen in North West, where stock owners were not permanently residing. They allegedly loaded the stock on their truck to sell it at abattoirs in Villiers in the Free State. They allegedly stole a total of 139 cattle from the various farms. Marais was arrested by Meyerton police in Gauteng on Wednesday, 28 August 2013, while Groenewalt handed himself over to the Limpopo police on Monday, 30 September 2013.
Marais co-operated with police and pointed out the crime scenes after his arrest. The truck which was used in the crimes was traced and impounded.
Two stock theft accused to appear in court
Two suspects, Charles Marais (40) and Martinus Groenewalt (35), accused of stock theft amounting to R807 000, are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday 7 October 2013 according to SAPS spokesperson, colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.
