MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: Nine suspects aged between 28 and 55, appeared before the Lehurutshe and Delarayvile Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, June 3; Tuesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 6 2024, on separate charges of stock theft.
The suspects’ court appearances stem from their arrests on Sunday, May 26, Tuesday, May 28, and Thursday May 30 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. It is alleged 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.
In Lehurutshe, Oratile Matebesi 26, and Vincent Kgomo 30, appeared before the Lehurutshe District’ Court last week Thursday, May 0 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, May 27 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. Three more outstanding suspects were arrested on Thursday, May 30 2024, 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, June 6 2024, for formal bail application.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Sannieshof and Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units for their swift response which led to the arrests and the recovery of the cattle, which were returned to the lawful owners.
