The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng has sentenced police officer Rhulani Herbert Maringa (44) to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for stock theft.
Maringa, who was attached to the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS), was convicted of stock theft involving cattle valued at R80 000. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the offence dates back to 17 April 2019, when two accused persons, who later turned state witnesses, stole cattle from Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan on Maringa’s instructions.
“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 revealed that Maringa was involved in planning the offence. They also indicated that he had escorted them to the Gaudveld Farm, where there is an abattoir and butchery,” she said.
Mahanjana said Maringa pleaded not guilty during the trial and denied any involvement.
“However, Regional Court 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 no financial loss was ultimately suffered because the cattle were recovered and returned to the Department of Correctional Services.
“Advocate 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. She urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.
“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.