Picture: A policeman nabbed for committing crime/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2April 2026 – A constable police attached to the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Rhulani Herbert Maringa (44) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. This follows his conviction for stock theft valued at R80 000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Maringa was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Mahanjana said on 17 April 2019, two accused persons who have since turned state witnesses stole cattle from Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan at the instruction of Maringa.
“The matter came to light after police received a tip-off from a farmer to whom the stolen cattle had been sold. When the two individuals returned to the farm to collect payment, they were arrested.
“Upon their arrest, the two accused cooperated with the police and told the police that Maringa was involved in the planning of the offence and escorted them to the Goudveld Farm, where there is an abattoir and butchery,” she said.
Mahanjana further said during the trial, Maringa pleaded not guilty and denied involvement. She added that, however, the state prosecutor, Advocate Patsy Jacobs, presented compelling evidence that proved the state’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“In mitigation of sentence, Maringa through his legal representative asked for leniency on the basis that there was no financial loss ultimately suffered as the cattle were recovered and returned to the Department of Correctional Services.
“Jacobs opposed this, arguing that Maringa, as a police officer assigned to a stock theft unit, had a heightened duty to prevent such crimes and had instead abused his position,” said Mahanjana.
She said Jacobs urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.
Mahanjana said in handing down the sentence, the Regional Court Magistrate agreed with the state, emphasising that police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and that the courts have a responsibility to protect the property rights of citizens. She said the NPA welcomes the sentence and commends the prompt and effective response by the police in this highly organised and premeditated offence involving a police official.
The Guardian 