Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the arrest of police officers and an additional suspect in connection with stock theft in Vryburg, North West.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Four individuals, including three serving police officers, were arrested in Vryburg on Tuesday evening, 30 September, on charges of stock theft and the possession of suspected stolen property. They are Sergeants Mosimanegape Mokoena (40) and Difedile Modisaotsile (43), Constable Lemogang Gaelesiwe (31) and Loeto Moncho (43).
The arrests followed a collaborative investigation by several law enforcement units.
Also read: Police ‘part of stock theft problem’, Minister hears
Minister Condemns Officers’ Alleged Involvement
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen strongly condemned both the crime itself and the alleged involvement of police officers.
“Stock theft is a plague on our agricultural communities and a direct attack on rural livelihoods and food security,” he said.
He was particularly critical of the officers’ alleged role, describing it as a betrayal of public trust. “The fact that police officers are alleged to be involved in this appalling crime is absolutely shameful and a gross breach of public trust.”
Also read: Police undermining their own livestock theft investigations
Praise for Swift Police Action
Steenhuisen praised the swift action of the North West police. He commended Major General Patrick Asaneng, the acting provincial commissioner, and the specialised units involved in the investigation, including the Vryburg K9 Unit, the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Vryburg Crime Intelligence, the Local Criminal Record Centre, and district and Vryburg detectives.
He described the arrests as evidence of “the efficacy of collective effort to combat rural and on-farm crime.”
Also read: Stock theft – statistics show progress but also ongoing problems
Government’s Commitment to Rural Safety
Steenhuisen reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling rural crime and ensuring justice for affected communities. He stressed the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies, agricultural stakeholders and rural safety organisations.
“We remain committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies, rural safety organisations and farmers to address the scourge of rural crime,” he said.
The four suspects were granted bail, and are scheduled to appear in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 November. The Ministry of Agriculture indicated it will closely monitor the judicial process to ensure justice is served.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about stock theft in rural areas and its damaging impact on agricultural communities, farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
