This came after a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) saw a message going around regarding 25 stolen cows belonging to Reverend Rakoko Betha. The animals were supposed to be auctioned off.

He quickly phoned the cops, and five suspects were apprehended after failing to explain to the police who owned the cows. Betha (66), of Sebokeng, told the Daily Sun that prayers saved his 25 cows after they were stolen from his land along the N1 in Sebokeng. “A group of suspects stormed my farm and stole all 25 cattle, intending to trade them at an auction in De Deur,” he explained.

Betha stated that he subsequently contacted the Stock Theft Information Centre, as well as all farmer organizations, seeking assistance. “My pension is the cows. “I appreciate the CPF member alerting the cops before the cows were sold,” he stated.

“The animals were positively recognized as taken from a farm in Sebokeng,” said police spokeswoman Sergeant Gertrude Makhale.

“It is estimated that they are worth R350 000. Five individuals were apprehended and held at De Deur Police Station for further investigation.”