Police and other law enforcement agencies have recovered livestock worth more than R290,000 during a cross-border operation near Mayflower in Mpumalanga.

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Police and other law enforcement agencies have recovered livestock worth more than R290,000 during a cross-border operation near Mayflower in Mpumalanga.

The livestock was recovered during Operation Basadi, conducted on Monday at Ndonga Farm and Mafufumbe. The operation involved the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Royal Eswatini Police, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and visible policing members.

Police said the operation targeted stock theft and involved screening livestock suspected of being linked to cases reported in South Africa and Eswatini.

In the first recovery, livestock valued at about R160,000 was recovered and impounded at the Ermelo Pound. The recovery included cattle, calves, carcasses and four sheep.

A further seven goats, valued at approximately R22,000, were recovered at a grazing camp at Ndonga Farm. The goats had reportedly been stolen in a case registered in Chrissiesmeer and were found abandoned and tied with ropes.

In a third recovery, 12 cattle worth about R110,000 were recovered and are suspected to be linked to a Mayflower stock theft case.

During the operation, police screened 129 cattle and 67 goats and sheep, conducted 19 searches and carried out five farm patrols.

No arrests were made, while three notices were issued for alleged contraventions of the Animal Identification Act and Stock Theft Act.

Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise said the SAPS would continue strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and other law enforcement agencies to combat stock theft.