GIYANI, Limpopo — Two Mozambican nationals, Robert Chauke, 33, and Silver Ndlovu, 49, have been sentenced to direct imprisonment by the Giyani Regional Court for stock theft, animal cruelty, unlawful slaughtering, and contravening the Immigration Act.
The sentence was handed down on Friday, February 6, 2026, following their arrest in connection with stock theft and related offences.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, SAPS Giyani officers discovered the suspects on December 22, 2023, actively slaughtering animals near a dumping site in Giyani Section A during routine patrols. Chauke and Ndlovu were immediately arrested.
Further investigation revealed additional meat stored at a local butchery. The owner of the butchery and two employees could not provide a satisfactory explanation for its origin and were also arrested. In total, five suspects were linked to the case.
The investigation was initially overseen by the late Warrant Officer Masenyani Nature Ngobeni and later managed by Colonel Jabu Elizabeth Mbete, Provincial Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Commander.
During bail proceedings, the butchery owner and employees were released, but Chauke and Ndlovu were denied bail due to their undocumented status. Both pleaded guilty to all charges during the trial.
The court imposed the following sentences on each accused:
Stock theft: 10 years’ imprisonment
Animal cruelty: 6 months’ imprisonment
Slaughtering outside an abattoir: 1 year’s imprisonment
Contravening the Immigration Act: 2 years’ imprisonment
The remaining three suspects, including the butchery owner, are scheduled to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on March 11, 2026.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended Colonel Mbete for her meticulous investigation and leadership in securing the convictions.
