In Ndoppe, a village in the commune of Niakhène, in the department of Tivaouane, members of the Pékesse gendarmerie brigade arrested a shepherd suspected of being involved in a case of the theft of 17 sheep.

Arrested yesterday, Thursday, around 1 p.m., the suspect, a man in his thirties, is being prosecuted for cattle theft, a recurring problem in the Tivaouane region. A security source indicates that the theft occurred on the night of Tuesday, February 17th to Wednesday, February 18th.

A farmer living in Nguetty Ngaraffe, in the commune of Ngandiouf, discovered early one morning that his 17 sheep were missing. Alerted, local residents followed the animals' tracks, which led them to the village of Ndoppe. The discovery of one sheep about a hundred meters from the nearest houses only reinforced their suspicions.

The Pékesse gendarmerie brigade, having been informed, deployed its officers to the scene to carry out the usual procedures. They also conducted initial checks, particularly at the suspect's home. The shepherd, who was questioned, reportedly claimed he could help locate the flock.

The investigations carried out in his presence allowed the gendarmes to spot the flock on its return journey from Ndoppe. About an hour later, the village chief discovered the three missing sheep hidden in the bush. Two of them had already been slaughtered.

The suspect, described by some neighbors as a repeat offender, was taken into custody at the Pékesse gendarmerie brigade. He is expected to be brought before the public prosecutor at the conclusion of the investigation.