By Obakeng Maje
Itsoseng-A 47 year-old Warrant Officer, Christopher Ross stationed at Itsoseng police station near Lichtenburg appeared  in Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 December 2013 on charges of Theft. 

He was warned to appear again on 16 January 2014.

“It is alleged that Warrant Officer Ross attended a Culpable Homicide scene on 19 December 2013 between Bodibe and Meetmekaar roads where a 39 year-old man from Bodibe village lost control of his vehicle and died on the scene at about 05:00” colonel Emelda Setlhako said.

According to the information, after arriving at the scene, Ross collected the items of the deceased including an amount of R900.00.

“Ross allegedly gave a laptop, a digital camera and a cellphone to the deceased brother who was already at the scene”.

“It is further alleged that Ross informed the deceased family that he had R500.00 that he will only release to the family after they have produced the deceased and his brother Identity documents at the police station” said Setlhako.

The family brought the required documents at the police station as they were requested in order to get the deceased money. At the station the deceased family met with Captain Ida Dube who noticed that Warrant Officer Ross did not register the Culpable Homicide case and the alleged money mentioned was not recorded and Ross was off duty.

“It is alleged that Captain Dube went to Warrant Officer Ross’ home and questioned him of the money he alleged collected at the accident scene. According to the information, Ross denied knowledge of the alleged money” said Setlhako.

Captain Dube  together with Ross went to another police official, Warrant Officer Mogatusi who was on duty with Ross and he confirmed that Ross received R900.00 from the Fire Emergency Services member at the accident scene.

“Captain Dube went back to the police station with Warrant Officer Ross  to meet with the deceased family. After deliberations, Ross took out an amount of R780.00 instead of R900.00 he alleged to have received” said Setlhako.

A case of theft was opened against Warrant Officer Ross and he was arrested on 20 December 2013 at his home in Itsoseng.-TDN
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