News: Pair remanded in custody after being arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West
 

POTCHEFSTROOM – Jacobus Venter (28) and Isaac Matebele (44) were remanded in custody upon appearance in the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 12 December 2024, for possession of suspected stolen goods. They are expected to make a second appearance before the court today.

The suspects’ court appearance emanated from their apprehension on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, in Stella outside Vryburg. It is alleged that Venter called the police just before 07:00 to report that he was in trouble and on the way to Stella. The police established upon arrival of the duo who were driving in a Super Cab vehicle pulling a trailer loaded with nine cattle, that they were being followed by a group of men travelling in several vehicles. The group of about 50, accused Venter and Matebele of stock theft.

The police eventually engaged the group and that prompted mobilisation of Stock theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit and Public Order Police (POP) members. According to information, POP dispersed the crowd after attempting to burn the suspects ‘vehicle.  Preliminary investigations revealed that the pair allegedly stole livestock on three different occasions in Ramabesa section, Setlagole village between 20 November and 04 December 2024, then sold them at an auction in Ottosdal.

Investigations into the matter are underway.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest, which he said will definitely assist in solving several stock theft cases. In the same breath, he warned members of the community not to take the law into their own hands as that is unlawful and intolerable.

Ends

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Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
082 496 9642

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