Motetema District Court sentences three stock thieves

MOTETEMA – Three accused Aron Ratau (36), Kabelo Shaku (30) and Bethuel Nonyana (29), were  convicted of stock theft and been sentenced by the Motetema District Court, on Wednesday 19 March 2025.

The court sentenced the offenders to 12 months direct imprisonment or a fine of R8, 000-00 after they pleaded guilty to charges related to the unlawful possession of six sheep valued at R18 000-00.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the sentencing emanates from the incident occurred on Tuesday 27 August 2024, at approximately 01:20, where members of Motetema SAPS stopped a suspicious bakkie.

“During the vehicle search, the police discovered six sheep in the rear compartment. The three occupants Ratau, Shaku and Nonyana were unable to provide a satisfactory account for the livestock, which was later confirmed as stolen by the lawful owner,” explained Ledwaba.

He said the cases were investigated by the Marble Hall Endangered Species and Stock Theft Unit, led by Detective Constable Lesiba Ratshilumela as the investigation, resulted in two charges which include failure to give a satisfactory account for possession of suspected stolen stock (six sheep) and stock theft.

“Following their arrest, they pleaded guilty and after being found guilty they were convicted. Their bail was withdrawn and hence the accused were sentenced by the magistrate’s court to 12 months direct imprisonment or to R8 000-00 fine,” informed Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentencing.

“This sentencing underscores our zero tolerance for stock theft. Livestock is a vital asset for our communities, and we will relentlessly pursue those who compromise our livelihoods,” she said.