Picture: Former ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Veronica Mapule Mafolo and Freddy Phutiyagae/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former ANC Member of Parliament (MP) and her co accused sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for stock theft. Veronica Mapule Mafolo (48) and Thabo Freddy Phutiyagae (36) were arrested at a farm in Schweizer Reneke on 12 January 2018.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West,Henry Mamothame said, one of the farmers noticed fresh car tracks on his farm in the early hours of the morning. Mamothame said, upon counting his stock, he realised that two Bonsmara calves were missing.
“He subsequently alerted his brother to report the matter to the police. The farmer was later called at the Vryburg Auction Kraals, where he positively identified his missing calves. Evidence led in court revealed that Mafolo pleaded with the farmer not to lay charges against her as it would dent her reputation as MP.
“In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Mpho Sephapo, urged the court to impose direct imprisonment on the accused as the offence they committed is prevalent in the province. Magistrate Paul Moeng agreed with the state and described the action by the duo as influenced by greed,” he said.
Moeng indicated that stock theft harm the farmers’ business and further destroys employment for farm workers.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the prosecution team, Sergeant Elias Masoko from the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other role players for a successful conviction.
“Stock theft is rife in our province and the criminal justice system will deal harshly with perpetrators of such offences without fear, favour or prejudice”, she said.
The Guardian 