Picture: The accused persons, Paul Pokes Mabe and Aobakwe Matshela/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A stock theft case against two accused persons, Paul Pokes Mabe (46) and Aobakwe Matshela (24) from Tlola O Nyele Section in Khibitswane village, near Taung is set to return to court today. The case was postponed on Monday due to a water shortage at the Taung Magistrate’s Court and was rolled over to Tuesday.
However, on Tuesday, the case could not sit because the investigating officer had to attend to another case in Vryburg Magistrate’s Court.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said, initially, Mabe was arrested along with his wife, Gladys Machwe (40) on 6 May 2023 for allegedly stealing two cows back in November 2022, while the third accused was still at large.
However, she said, Machwe has been provisionally removed from the case pending investigations. Van Rooyen further said, the third accused person, Matshela who was at large, was arrested by the police.
“A stock theft case was opened by the rightful owner of two cattle after they were allegedly stolen in Cokonyane village. As the investigation progressed, information was obtained, which led to the recovery of the two cattle at Matsheng village in January 2023.
“Further investigation was done and led to the arrest of two accused, who were positively linked to the stock theft case. However, only two accused persons will briefly appear at the Taung Magistrate’s Court today, where they are expected to make a formal bail application,” she said.
Van Rooyen added, the alleged stolen cattle were handed back to the rightful owner after being identified by the brand mark.
The Guardian 