A 46-year-old police official was apprehended by the East London Hawk’s Serious Corruption Investigation on 18 December 2024, for allegations of fraud and theft. The suspect is currently holding a rank of Sergeant attached to Stock Theft Unit at Alice.
It is alleged that on 29 June 2021, the complainant was enroute to East London carrying four cattle with a trailer where he was intercepted by the police searched the vehicle and the trailer. The suspect reportedly indicated that the livestock was reported stolen by the complainant. Subsequently, the complainant provided proof to the accused that the cows belonged to him and he bought them from the lawful owner.
Even though the complainant reportedly produced proof that he bought the cows, he was arrested and the livestock were seized, then taken to a livestock pound. Later on, the case against the complainant was reportedly withdrawn permanently and he approached the suspect claiming back his cattle. Consequently, the complainant was told different stories and promised to give back the aforesaid cattle as a result he never got back his livestock. The matter was reported to the Hawks for thorough probing.
The investigations by the Hawks confirmed that the suspect allegedly booked the cattle at Enoch Mgijima Municipality pound on 15 July 2021. The following day, the same livestock was booked out by the accused where he handed over to his acquaintance. Further investigations led to his arrest on 18 December 2024.
The officer is expected to make his brief court appearance before Queenstown Magistrates court on 19 December 2024.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks Brigadier Fernando Luis expressed his appreciation to the East London SCI for the persistence in their success ensuring that the official have his day in court.
Update:
Andile Matantala (46) the police Sergeant attached to Stock Theft Unit at Alice appeared before Queenstown Magistrate’s facing allegations of fraud and theft on 19 December 2024.
Matantala was arrested by the Hawks on 18 December 2024. He was released on R5000 bail and the matter was remanded to 13 February 2025 for legal representation as well Regional court date.
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