FOUR suspects are in custody after members of the Cradock Highway Patrol and the Cradock Stock Theft Unit searched an Isuzu bakkie on the road between Tarkastad and Cradock yesterday.
Police spokesman Capt Lariane Jonker said the four, aged between 23 and 30, were arrested at about 1.20pm.
A 375 rifle and an axe, allegedly stained with blood, was found. 
Jonker said the police were following all possible leads and statements would be obtained from neighbouring farms that were possibly visited by the suspects as part of the investigation. The blood samples had been sent to the forensic lab to determine the source.
“The investigation has been handed over to the Provincial Task Team for further handling. Police cannot speculate whether the suspects are linked to stock theft related cases but their identities will be profiled to ascertain such connections,” she said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Cradock Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga, applauded the members for the arrest. “The alertness of the members and prompt response were key in securing the arrest. This is in line with the Back to Basics approach of crime intelligence in support of proactive and reactive intelligence.”
