RUSTENBURG HERALD - GROOT MARICO - Moagi Motlhabane and Sipho Tobi, both aged 27, are expected to reappear in the Groot Marico Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 November, on a charge of stock theft. The accused made initial court appearances on Monday, 20 and Tuesday, 21 October, after being arrested by members of Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit at Brakkuil and Koffiekraal Villages, Madikwe on Friday, 17 October.
According to Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, North West police spokesperson, the two were arrested following the theft of 11 cattle worth R 254 000, on Thursday, 16 October. After becoming aware of the incident, the farmer searched around the farm and found one of the cattle and a calf, but bearing new brand marks. Ensuing police investigations identified the registered owner of the brand mark.
Information was later received and followed up regarding a speculator who was about to auction cattle, including the one with a new brand mark. The questioning of the speculator at the Zeerust Auction, culminated in the impounding of the cattle and the recovery of the farmer’s five cattle.
Moagi Motlhanke was, upon appearance before the court, granted R3 000 bail while Sipho Tobi, who is from Lesotho, abandoned the bail application. He is also facing a further charge of contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. Investigations into the matter continue.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrest.
