Men try to dodge roadblock with wailing ambulance

Johannesburg - Two cousins have appeared in the Mahwelereng Magistrate's Court for allegedly stealing a cow and an ambulance they used as a getaway vehicle, Limpopo police said on Monday.

Blade Olifant, 26, and Kgothatso Olifant, 27, allegedly stole a cow and loaded it in the back of an ambulance in Mahwelereng, said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

"The two bundled a cow inside a privately owned ambulance oblivious of the fact that is was marked and easily identifiable," Hangwani said in a statement.

"Community members contacted the police who quickly set up a roadblock where the duo, with sirens blaring, thought they would not be stopped."

Police found a live cow inside the van as well as bottles of beer.

The two were released on a warning and would appear again on 15 January.

The cow was identified by its owner after it was placed under the care of the local Society For Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals.

"Sometimes the criminal makes it almost too easy for the police," Mulaudzi said.

"The two broke a basic rule for any crook - leave nothing behind that can identify you."