Suspect arrested with unlicensed firearm after evading police
A 32-year-old man believed to be a ringleader in livestock theft operations has been apprehended in the Upper Tugela area of KwaZulu-Natal after weeks of evading law enforcement. The suspect was taken into custody on Sunday, 21 September 2025, at Gangandweni area, bringing to a close an intensive police manhunt.
The arrest stems from an investigation into the theft of twelve cattle from the Moyeni area, reported on Saturday, 13 August 2025. Officers from Upper Tugela launched an immediate probe, and within days managed to track down eight of the stolen animals at Stulwane area on Tuesday, 16 August 2025.
During that initial recovery operation, 25-year-old Nqobani Xulu was placed under arrest in connection with the theft. Xulu has since appeared before court and remains in custody awaiting further proceedings.
"During that operation at Stulwane, one suspect believed to be a kingpin in the theft of livestock evaded arrest and fled the area."
Unlicensed firearm and ammunition seized
Police continued their tracing efforts over the following weeks, determined to locate the man they regarded as the mastermind behind the cattle theft syndicate. Their persistence paid off when the 32-year-old suspect was finally cornered at Gangandweni more than a month after he initially gave officers the slip.
Upon his arrest, the man was also found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition, adding further charges to those he already faces in connection with the stolen livestock. He was immediately detained following the operation.
Stock theft remains a significant concern in rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal, where cattle hold both economic and cultural value. The recovery of eight of the twelve stolen animals offered some relief to the affected community in Moyeni, though four head of cattle remain unaccounted for.
The arrested suspect was expected to appear before the Bergville Magistrate's Court on Monday, 22 September 2025, facing charges related to stock theft, as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police have indicated that further investigations into the broader livestock theft network in the region are ongoing.
Stock theft continues to threaten rural livelihoods across KwaZulu-Natal, where cattle represent significant financial assets and hold deep cultural importance for communities. The arrest of an alleged syndicate leader may disrupt organized theft networks operating in the region, potentially offering relief to farmers facing mounting losses. With ongoing investigations into the broader network, further arrests could follow, though the persistent nature of livestock crime suggests affected communities will need sustained law enforcement commitment to see lasting change.
