Makhado police have launched a stock theft investigation after a bull valued at R11,000 was stolen and slaughtered on the farm Elandspruit outside Louis Trichardt.
The incident is believed to have taken place between 23 April and 30 April, with the discovery made on Thursday at about 14:30.
According to police, a 50-year-old farm employee noticed bloodstains around the kraal and alerted his supervisor. A subsequent inspection revealed that a medium-sized black-and-white bull was missing.
It is alleged that unknown suspects entered the farm, moved the animal between kraals, and slaughtered it on the premises before removing the carcass and fleeing.
A manhunt has been launched.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Constable Tshifhiwa Makangane on 082 319 9545, or report anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or the MySAPS app.