The Eastern Cape Stock Theft Unit is now looking for similar incidents around the province.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Basil Seekoei said the first incident was reported in December.
"The person contacted the stock farmer via telephone and inquired about the purchase of merino sheep.
"An agreement was reached that 51 sheep would cost the buyer R57,600.
"The owner then received an SMS later that day stating the money had been transferred into his account," Seekoei said.
"The men came to the farm in a truck, loaded the sheep and left. Only afterward, when the farmer inquired with the bank, did he establish that the money had not been transferred."
Seekoei said investigators established that the SMS had been sent from the thief's cellphone, using a new SIM card.
"Detectives at the Stock Theft Unit are still following up leads but are searching for any other people who might have information with regards to this," he said.
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