A disruptive operation conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema District by Provincial, Sannieshof, Stilfontein and Pudimoe Stock theft & Endangered Species (STES) Units as well as Mmabatho Criminal Record & Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) on Thursday, 22 and Friday, 23 August 2024, resulted in the arrest of three suspects for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen stock.
The suspects’ vehicle pulling a trailer loaded with eight Bonsmara cattle was stopped at Witpan village near Sannieshof for compliance inspection. It was discovered that the driver and passenger did not have proof of ownership or transportation. Subsequent to the interview, it was discovered that the cattle were stolen at a farm in Migdol. The trio was arrested and the cattle were taken to Lichtenburg pound pending identification by the lawful owner.
The team seized a Ford Ranger and the trailer which were used to commit the crime. The accused; Aaron Kolobe (58), the owner of the car and the trailer, Sedupe Mantlhonyane (50) and Tshwarelo Kobokwe (58) appeared in the Sannieshof Magistrstes’ Court on Monday, 26 August 2024. They were granted R1000,00 bail each and the case was postponed until Thursday, 10 October 2024.
The operation also led to issuing of 69 fines for contravention of the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Additionally, three camps, a communal camp and cattle posts around Kabe, Makgobistad, Mayeyane, Khunwana and Matshepe villages were visited.
In a separate case in Madikwe, Sipho Simelela (39) and Mzimkhulu Simelela (64) were found guilty and sentenced on 19 August 2024, for stock theft and possession of suspected stolen stock. The crimes were committed in November 2022.
Sipho Simelela was sentenced to a fine of R75 000,00 or ten years imprisonment for stock theft. He was also given R7000,00 or five years imprisonment for possession of suspected stolen stock. The sentences will not run concurrently.
In terms of section 97(i)(a)(i) (aa) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), Mzimkhulu’s sentence was postponed for a period of five years on condition that he compensates Mrs Monki Ramatlapeng an amount of R45 000,00 within four months of date of the order.
The accused were sentenced for stock theft committed at Klipkuil farm in Khayakhulu village, Madikwe on 11 October 2022. It was reported during the proceedings that the accused drove 18 cattle from the veld to their kraal, but were seen by the shepherds. Police and members of the community and livestock owners went to the accused’s place to demand their cattle. However, the accused pelted them with stones. The accused were ultimately arrested on 12 December 2022.
The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Dintletse Molefe applauded the team members and members of the community for working together in an endeavour to address stock theft.
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