By OBAKENG MAJE
The former policeman, Godfrey Itumeleng Setatwe (45) is expected to appear at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court today. Setatwe, who was working for the stock-theft unit and stationed at Vryburg Police Station, was arrested on 20 August 2022 for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, the accused was arrested by Vryburg police, while travelling on the N18 road towards Pudimoe. Botma said, the police spotted a suspicious-looking bakkie and stopped it for a search.
“During the search, 21 goats worth R42 000 were found at the back of the bakkie. The driver was questioned but failed to give a proper account for the possession. It was also established that he did not have transportation documents.
“As a result, he was arrested for stock theft and taken to Vryburg Police Station. Upon arrival, he allegedly tried to run away and assaulted two police officers who were detaining him. He was subsequently restrained and detained,” she said.
Botma said the livestock was given back to the lawful owner after he was successfully traced. Setatwe is also having a pending case of fraud, where he allegedly connived with a convict, who alleged that his cellphone was lost.
Setatwe allegedly made a false affidavit for the convict, but he was arrested after the police preliminary investigation and the case is still on trial.
Meanwhile, the North West police said stock-theft cases have increased in the province. The Provincial Head Crime Registrar, Brig Jeanette Sakalengwe Ntshabele said: “There is an increase in property-related crimes such as stock theft, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles, and burglaries in both residential and business premises.
“We have experienced a 10% increase in stock theft and the most affected districts are, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and Bojanala, while Dr Kenneth Kauda managed a decrease. North West is also amongst the top four provinces in the country experiencing property-related crimes.”
Ntshabele also urges households, especially in rural areas to beef up their security as criminals are now infiltrating rural areas.
The Guardian 