17 January 2024
Rasta Kenosi, the alleged leader of a livestock theft syndicate in North West, will remain in custody until January 26, when a ruling on his bail application is expected.
Kenosi was arrested last year on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property. He was granted bail on the charge of attempted murder but his bail application on the damage to property charges continues.
Naude Pienaar, deputy CEO of Agri North West, thanked the investigative team and prosecutors for their work. Kenosi remains in custody in Vryburg.
Eight other suspects linked to Kenosi who were also arrested on charges of malicious damage to property have been freed on bail.
The police task team investigating the alleged livestock theft syndicate and poisoning of cattle arrested them on charges of theft, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and malicious damage to property. A private security company’s vehicle was allegedly deliberately rear-ended and pelted with stones. Kenosi is accused of smashing the windscreen of a security vehicle with others.
Ganyesa magistrate’s court also decided that Kenosi’s trial on three charges of attempted murder will begin on February 8. He is suspected of firing shots at three men.
Farmers in the Molopo area believe Kenosi has been involved in alleged criminal activities for years. He made headlines late last year after cattle on Ockie Goosen’s farm in the area were poisoned. After he was already in custody, more cattle on the Tosca farm of Adolph Reynecke (25) were poisoned.
