By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stock theft by the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Itumeleng Daniel Sethepo (34), who pleaded guilty to the charge, was arrested for stealing a Brahman cow at a farm in Vergenoeg, near Zeerust on 26 October 2022 along with his friend.
The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “The farm worker contacted the farm owner and informed him about cows being restless. The farmer used a drone and eventually spotted tracks on his farm.
“He followed the tracks with the drone, leading to two accused persons, who were found sitting next to the river on a neighbouring farm and meat hanging from nearby trees.
“The police were immediately contacted and both accused were arrested. One of the accused, unfortunately, died in hospital and only Sethepo stood trial,” she said.
In a separate matter, Myburgh said a Lesotho national, Mohato Francis Lichaba, was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a goat. She further said, on 29 December 2022, a goat was reported missing by a farmer in Ikageleng Location, near Lehurutshe.
“Subsequent to the police operation, a large quantity of meat was recovered in a shack, occupied by Lichaba. A traditional mark on the goat’s ear helped the police to identify its rightful owner. Lichaba was charged with stock theft as well as contravention of the Immigration Act, of 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
“He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded Sgt William Masiza of the Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and prosecution for their collaborations that resulted in the convictions.
Kwena also reiterated that, the police will continue to work hard to ensure that criminals are put behind bars.
The Guardian 