Farming couple held for stock theft
2010-07-28 08:40
Bloemfontein - A young farmer and his wife from Petrusville in the Northern Cape have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of 433 sheep from their neighbours.
The town is abuzz following the arrests of the young couple, who were married in December. Livestock worth about R500 000 had mysteriously disappeared in the area.
Jozeph van der Walt, 32, also known as Jossie, had earlier appeared in the local magistrate's court in connection with the theft of 87 sheep. He was released on R500 bail.
Branded
On the day of his arrest, 75 sheep were found in his possession, which he had apparently already branded, according to the police.
The police also say several other charges will soon be added to this charge.
Cherelle Ehlers, spokesperson for the Northern Cape police, told Volksblad that the cattle theft unit at De Aar are investigating a charge involving the theft of 433 sheep and seven head of cattle.
She says the alleged theft took place between January 26 and February 28. The owner of the farm involved had reportedly rented out his land.
The tenants' livestock was allegedly removed and sold to abattoirs in Bloemfontein and Colesberg.
Ehlers says Van der Walt's wife, Bertie Bierman, was arrested in March after a "significant amount of money, which may be related to the transaction, was discovered in her bank account".
Bierman was released on R5 000 bail.
Both will appear in the magistrate's court again on October 5, when they will be asked to plead and a trial date will be set.
Recover damages
Meanwhile, farmers from Petrusville who have lost livestock have already instructed their lawyers to recover their damages.
One farmer lost 180 ewes, 20 lambs and five head of cattle during this time, which apparently amounts to about 100% of the farm's production.
Volksblad was also told the Van der Walts' family farm, Doornfontein, may soon be sold.
Van der Walt's parents, Johan and Ina, still live on the farm, although the land was recently transferred to his name.
Residents of Petrusville said on Tuesday the town is up in arms because the couple currently live in a luxurious house in the upmarket suburb Woodland Hills in Bloemfontein.
Van der Walt also recently acquired an expensive Toyota Land Cruiser as well as a Nissan Navara.