| 2025/03/18 |
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Media Statement
POTCHEFSTROOM – Mogwase Magistrates’ Court sentenced Isaac Mariri (43) and Tshidi Mpete (46), on Thursday, 13 March 2025, for stock theft, related offences. The crimes were committed between February 2022 and April 2023 in Manamakgotheng village, near Mogwase. It was reported at the time of the incident that the accused stole five cattle at Lesobeng cattle post near Lesetlheng village. Ensuing investigation including the execution of the search and seizure warrant, led to the discovery of five cattle carcasses at Mpete‘s residence in Moruleng village on 09 April 2022. The police further recovered the Band Saw Machine, which was stolen at a butchery in Moruleng in November 2021. The accused who were arrested in Moruleng and later released on bail, were sentenced as follows: Accused No 1: Isaac Mariri Count 1: possession of suspected stolen goods: A fine of R60 000-00 or three years imprisonment wholly, suspended for five years. Count 2: failing to furnish identification document while disposing the stock / produce: 10 years imprisonment or a fine of R240 000-00. The sentence was postponed for five years on condition that the accused compensates the complainant R80 000. 00, payable as follows: R20 000.00 on 13 March 2025, Monthly instalments of R10 000 from 1 April 2025 until 01 April 2030. Count 4: Contravention of Sec 120 (8) of the Firearms Control Act – A fine of R40 000.00 or two years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years. Accused No. 2: Tshidi Mpete He was found not guilty on count 1 of housebreaking. Count 2: failing to furnish identification document while disposing the stock / produce – Five years’ imprisonment or a fine of R70 000.00, payable as follows: R10 000-00 payable on 13 March 2025. Monthly instalments of R5000.00 with effect from 1 April 2025 until 01 May 2026. He was found not guilty on other counts. Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.
The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng applauded Warrant Officer Agnes Mediwane and the Prosecutor, Advocate Kamogelo Moselakgomo and stakeholders for securing a conviction for stock theft related offences, which are problematic in the province. He indicated further that the sentence is a warning that crime does not pay.
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