By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The stock-theft case against the seven accused has been postponed to 15 November 2022. Willem Petrus Boshoff (46), Carel Stephan Wallis (47), Ntlhothana Motswabangwe (33), Rapula Letsapa (25), Johannes Wessel (49), Simon Wessel (47) and Janine Hill (50) were arrested in the early hours of the morning on 10 November 2022.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Boshoff, Wallis, Motswabangwe, Letsapa, Wessel, Hill, and Wessel briefly appeared before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 14 November 2022.
“The case was postponed to 15 November 2022 for a formal bail application. They are facing five preliminary charges of theft, failure to provide a satisfactory account of the possession of livestock, acquiring stock from persons whose places of residence are unknown, transporting livestock along the road without a certificate, and absence of reasonable cause believing that the livestock has been properly acquired.
“All seven accused will remain in police custody until the court has made a ruling on their bail application. Their court appearance emanates from their arrest after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock, with an estimated value of R500 000,” Mamothame said.
He further said the farmer, notices a truck and bakkies with a trailer carrying livestock and notified other farmers around Ottoshoop.
“They tracked down the suspicious bakkie to a farm in Koenlambrechts farm between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg. Police were then notified, and the suspects were arrested while trying to leave the farm.
“Nine cattle were found at the back of the bakkie. A truck linked to the theft was also intercepted by the police carrying 18 cattle, which the driver failed to account for,” said Mamothame.
He said further investigations by the police led them to Windheuwel farm, where 14 suspected stolen livestock was discovered. Mamothame said they were taken by the police for further investigations.
“A total of 42 battles were discovered through a collaborative operation between farmers and the police,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions has lauded the farmers and the police for their collaboration leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The Guardian 