NEWS IN BRIEF
PROVINCE The MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development, Environment and Nature Conservation, Nomandla Bloem, has called on owners of cattle, sheep and goats to vaccinate their animals against Rift Valley fever (RVF).
Department spokesperson Zandisile Luphahla said yesterday that the recent good rainfall in certain areas of the Northern Cape would result in an increase in the numbers of mosquitoes that transmit this disease.
“The RVF is a serious viral disease that is spread through mosquitoes and causes abortions and death in young cattle, sheep and goats. People coming into contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected animals can also develop RVF,” Luphahla said.
“Farmers are therefore advised to vaccinate all cattle, sheep and goats against RVF, especially in areas that have recently received rainfall. Live vaccine (OBP Live) can only be used in non-pregnant animals as the live vaccine can cause abortions. Only dead/ inactivated (OBP) vaccines must be used in pregnant animals. It is the responsibility of the animal owners to vaccinate their animals and prevent loss.”
He added that any suspicion of RVF disease must be reported immediately to the nearest state veterinarian.
JAN KEMPDORP Two suspects, aged 59 and 60 years old, were arrested on charges of shoplifting by the Kimberley police on Monday, January 20, 2020.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the suspects were arrested at a house in Jan Kempdorp after they evaded arrest on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
“Three of the two suspects’ accomplices were arrested for shoplifting on Saturday in Kimberley. Two police members from the Kimberley police, Sergeant Modise Sedim and Constable Luckyboy Mabusweni, worked tirelessly and followed up on information regarding the two suspects, which led them to Jan Kempdorp where they apprehended and arrested the wanted suspects,” said Gamieldien.
“It is further alleged that the two suspects are also linked to other cases of shoplifting in the greater Kimberley and surrounding areas.”
Gamieldien said that the suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.
She added that the police members were applauded for their sterling investigation into the matter.
“The Acting Station Commander of Kimberley police, Colonel Belinda Rikhotso, commended the members for their determination and commitment in ensuring that the two suspects are brought before court. Members will continue unabated to squeeze the space for criminals to operate in in Kimberley,” said Gamieldien. VICTORIA WEST A 47-year-old woman was arrested for dealing in drugs after she was found in possession of drugs with an estimated street value of
R67 440.
Police spokesperson LieutenantColonel Dimakatso Mooi said various drugs were confiscated from the suspect.
“The woman was arrested on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 when the De Aar Public Order Policing and the Victoria West Visible Policing units followed up on information about drug peddling. They confiscated 473 small packets of dagga, 52 grams of tik with an estimated street value of R2 600, 500 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R50 000, and an undisclosed amount of cash,” said Mooi.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of dealing in drugs.”
Mooi added that the police officials and the community were commended for the arrest.
“The Cluster Commander of Pixley Ka Seme, Brigadier Nomana Adonis, has applauded the police members for their swift reaction and thanked the public for working together with the police in ensuring the safety of our communities. Drugs and substance abuse contribute to various crimes committed, including serious and violent crimes. The public is urged to continue working together with the police and to report any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Line 08600 10111,” she said.
KIMBERLEY Two people, aged 24 and 44, were arrested for dealing in dagga by the Frances Baard Cluster Task Team in partnership with Crime Intelligence members, the Mounted unit, Hartswater K9 and the Search and Rescue police unit.
Police spokesperson Captain Sergio Kock said the arrest followed after the police officials conducted a disruptive operation in the Kimberley area on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
“The suspects are charged with dealing in dagga after 1 126 kilograms and 466 grams were confiscated respectively. A further 286 grams of dagga was found but no arrest was made. The two suspects were arrested in the Galeshewe and Kagisho areas in Kimberley. The dagga has an estimated street value of approximately R10 000,” said Kock.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court soon. The investigation continues.”