A case of animal stock robbery against five police officers and two men between the age of 30 and 50 has been postponed to 22 September 2021.
Five police officers and two men appeared at the Ladybrand Magistrate Court on Wednesday, after they were nabbed by the Hawks for stock theft in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 July 2021 in Ladybrand, Free State.
Free State Hawks spokesperson Christopher Singo said following a tip-off, the Tactical Response Team initiated the investigation after the murder of Brendin Horner in Senekal brought allegations of police involvement in stock theft, this led to the arrests of five officers namely, Palesa Mathe, Justin Putse, Phemelo Diseko, Mpholo Tsie and Selaotswe Majoi.
“The two animal stock brokers (Daniel George Poolman and Pieter Williem Strauss) were released on R10 000 bail respectively, whereas five police officers were all released on R2 000 bail,” said Captain Singo.
It is reported that during the arrest of two men, police also discovered two unlicensed firearms.
The court heard the case of all suspects. They face charges of stock theft, defeating the administration of justice and perjury.
In pending down the judgement the Ladybrand Magistrate Court announced that all suspects will be released on conditional bail, as they will all appear before the Clocolan Magistrate Court on 22nd September 2021.
You may also be interested in:
Nketoane municipality CFO in court for fraudulent qualification
Awareness campaign to address stock theft, illegal hunting
Hawks arrest seven illegal miners for theft, money laundering
Two alleged live stock thieves arrested with cows and calves
Intelligence-driven operation arrests trio for live stock theft
Former Financial Manager in court for theft and money laundering
Intelligence led information thwarted a possible stock theft in Virginia
3 suspects nabbed for defrauding department R12.8 million
