By Maile Matsimela
A former acting station commander of the Tweeling Police Station Mokete Jacob Mokoena (58) has been sentenced to three years direct imprisonment for stock theft in the Tweeling Magistrates’ Court.
His co-accused, Lefa Elias Mahlaba (44), was sentenced to two years of imprisonment. The court heard that on the night of 21 to 22 March 2021, Mokoena, who was also the Visible Policing (VISPOL) Commander at the station, was on duty patrolling in a marked police vehicle while in full SAPS uniform when the incident occurred.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said before leaving, Mokoena requested Mahlaba, an ordinary citizen, to accompany him.
The court heard that under the cover of darkness, Mahlaba was dropped off at Speekhoutboom farm, owned by the complainant, Danie Muller. Mahlaba then rounded up five sheep, tying them down with rope.
“He used Mokoena’s official SAPS torch, which had the police insignia and a serial number engraved on it, to carry out the crime. Mokoena later returned to the scene but was spotted by a private security company,” said Senokoatsane
The two accused fled in the police vehicle but were intercepted by the security officers.
“Upon returning to the scene, the security team discovered Mokoena’s police torch near the carcass of a slaughtered sheep. Another sheep had been killed, with its remains placed in a plastic bag, while three others were found alive but immobilised with rope. “Initially, Mokoena denied ownership of the torch found at the crime scene but later admitted that it belonged to him,” Senokoatsane said.
DNA analysis also confirmed the bloodstains on Mahlaba’s clothing matched that of the slaughtered sheep. The State also presented AVL satellite tracking data from the police vehicle, which confirmed it had stopped four times at or near the crime scene that night.
Senokoatsane explained the trial was prolonged due to Mokoena changing legal representatives three times, causing significant delays.
“Despite these obstacles, the prosecution, led by Advocate Jacques Harrington, successfully proved the case against both accused.”
