VHEMBE DISTRICT – Three Chief Animal Health Technicians attached to the Department of Agriculture in the Limpopo Province based at Mutale in the Vhembe District have been suspended with immediate effect.

The officials will remain suspended pending an investigation into allegations of receiving and being in possession of stolen livestock. One of the three officials, Mr Tshikororo Nthambeleni Caiphus has been arrested and charged with possession of stolen livestock.

The Department of Agriculture in the Limpopo Province said it views the allegations of involvement of senior livestock officials in stock theft in a very serious light. They stated that if these allegations were proven to be true, then they would regard the officials' actions as treason against the Department.