A police officer from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for orchestrating the theft of livestock valued at R80 000.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Rhulani Herbert Maringa (44) was convicted by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court for his role in the 2019 theft from the Zonderwater Correctional Services facility.
In 2019, the now convicted officer instructed two accomplices to steal cattle from Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan. They then sold them to a farmer, who then tipped off the authorities. The accomplices were arrested when returning for payment and subsequently turned state witnesses, implicating Maringa.
Minister Steenhuisen Welcomes Tough Sentence
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the sentencing, describing it as an important step in protecting farmers and maintaining accountability within law enforcement agencies.
“This sentence sends an unmistakable message that crime will not be tolerated, especially when committed by those entrusted with upholding the law,” Minister Steenhuisen said in response to the conviction.
Also read: WATCH | Farmer Kobela champions new RMIS traceability platform to combat livestock theft
Abuse of Position and Public Trust
Evidence presented in court revealed that Maringa abused his official position to plan the crime and guide accomplices to a local abattoir. The Minister condemned the officer’s actions as “shameful”, noting that such conduct undermines public trust in essential institutions.
“The fact that a member of the very unit tasked with combating stock theft was involved in orchestrating such crimes is particularly disturbing,” Steenhuisen said.
Also read: ‘Stock theft a national crisis; land reform must change’ – Steenhuisen at AFASA conference
Impact on Agricultural Sector Highlighted
The Minister emphasised the broader implications of stock theft on South Africa’s agricultural sector, describing it as far from a victimless crime.
“Stock theft is not a victimless crime; it causes extreme economic hardship and profound emotional distress to our farmers, who remain the backbone of our national agricultural sector,” he explained.
Commendation for Law Enforcement
Minister Steenhuisen praised the work of investigators and prosecution teams who brought the case to a successful conclusion.
“I want to commend the diligent work of the prosecution and the investigators who left no stone unturned to ensure justice prevailed,” he said.
Strong Message on Property Rights
The Minister framed the conviction as an important demonstration of the legal system’s commitment to protecting citizens’ property rights.
“Protecting the property rights of our citizens is paramount to a thriving economy, and today, the legal system has stood firmly behind our farmers,” Steenhuisen concluded.
Also read and watch:
Stock theft – it’s war out there!
Three Police Officers Arrested Over Stock Theft; Minister Steenhuisen Welcomes Action
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