By OBAKENG MAJE
Nine suspects aged between 28 and 55, are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe and Delareyville Magistrate’s Courts on 3, 4 and 6 June 2024, on separate charges of stock theft. The suspects were arrested on 26, 28 and 30 May 2024, after being found with suspected stolen livestock.
In Delareyville, Isaac Maraise (36), Walter Masisi (40), Hans Wels (46) and Richard Peka (55), were arrested on 26 May 2024, after they were found in possession of suspected stolen livestock. According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the accused allegedly stole 14 calves worth R81 900 at a farm, near Delareyville and called a certain man to sell them to him.
“The police eventually arrested the accused while in the process of selling the calves. They made initial court appearances on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, and are expected to re-appear on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, for bail application.
“In Lehurutshe, Oratile Matebesi (26) and Vincent Kgomo (30), briefly appeared before the Lehurutshe District Court on 30 May 2024, for stock theft. The accused were arrested after being seen branding suspected stolen livestock at Ikageleng Section, in Dinokana village and the community members informed the police,” she said.
Funani further said the Lehurutshe Stock theft and Crime Prevention Units were patrolling along the N4 road on 27 May 2024, when they spotted a Toyota bakkie with a trailer loaded with three cattle and stopped the vehicle for search.
She added that the police arrested the two suspects and charged them for possession of suspected livestock.
“On 30 May 2024, three more outstanding suspects were arrested after they handed themselves over to Lehurutshe Police station.
“Three suspects between the ages of 28 and 41 are expected to appear in the Lehurutshe District Court for their first court appearance. The preliminary investigations showed that the three cattle were stolen in Botswana.
“The accused were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen stock. Matebesi and Kgomo appeared before the court and their case was postponed until 6 June 2024, for formal bail application,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated Sannieshof and Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Units, for their swift response, which led to the arrests and the recovery of the cattle. Kwena said the suspected stolen cattle were returned to the lawful owners.
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