Nine suspects to appear in courts for stock theft

RUSTENBURG – Nine suspects aged between 28 and 55, are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe and Delarayvile Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, 3 June, Tuesday, 4 June and Thursday, 6 June 2024, on separate charges of stock theft. The suspects’ court appearances stem from their arrests on Sunday, 26 May, Tuesday, 28 May, and Thursday 30 May 2024, after being found with suspected stolen livestock.

In Delareyville, Isaac Maraise, 36, Walter Masisi, 40, Hans Wels, 46, and Richard Peka, 55, were apprehended on Sunday, 26 May 2024, after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock. According the information, the accused stole 14 calves worth R81 900.00, at a farm near Delareyville and called a certain man to sell the stolen livestock to him. The police eventually arrested the accused while in the process of selling the calves. They made initial court appearance on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, and are expected to reappear on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, for bail application.

In Lehurutshe, Oratile Matebesi 26, and Vincent Kgomo 30, appeared before the Lehurutshe District’ Court on Thursday, 30 May 2024, for stock theft. The accused were arrested after being seen branding suspected stolen livestock at Ikageleng section, Dinokana village and the community members informed the police. The Lehurutshe Stock theft and Crime Prevention Units were patrolling along the N4 road on Monday morning, 27 May 2024, when they spotted a Toyota bakkie with a trailer loaded with three cattle and stopped the vehicle for search.

Police arrested the two suspects and charged them for possession of suspected livestock . On Thursday, 30 May 2024, three more outstanding suspects were arrested after they handed themselves over to Lehurutshe Police station. The three suspects between the ages of 28 and 41 are expected to appear in the Lerutshe District’ Court for first court appearance.

Preliminary investigations showed that the three cattle were stolen in Botswana. The accused were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen stock. Matebesi and Kgomo appeared before the court and are expected to reappear before the same court on Thursday, 6 June 2024, for formal bail application.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Sannieshof and Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unitsfor their swift response which led to the arrests and the recovery of the cattle, which were returned to the lawful owners.