Four accused have on 9 January 2023, made a brief appearance before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on charges of stock theft and possession of suspected stolen livestock.
The accused, Boikano Kamoli (26), Peter Katlego Mogotsi (19), Bradley Diketso Nonyana (28) and Agostinho Rafael Savela (33) court’s appearance stems from their apprehension on Friday, 6 January 2023 at about 10:00.
It is alleged that the accused were travelling in two Ford Ranger bakkies, one towing a trailer loaded with eight cattle, when they were stopped by the traffic officers along the N4 road between Zeerust and Rustenburg.
The traffic officers called the police for assistance.
Upon arrival of the police at the scene, the accused failed to provide satisfactorily account of the livestock and it was also noticed that the brand marks of the cattle were tampered with. Preliminary investigation led the police to Sempe Cattle Post near Dinokana and it was discovered that one of the suspects is a shepherd at the said cattle post.
The livestock owners were traced and all eight cattle were positively identified by their owner, valued at R100 000.00.
All four accused were immediately arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. Further investigation revealed that two accused, Boikano Kamoli (Lesotho) and Agostinho Rafael Savela (Mozambican) will also face an additional charge for contravening the Immigration Act no 13 of 2002, Section 49(1).
They were all remanded in custody until their next appearance at the same court on Thursday, 12 January 2023, for formal bail application. Investigation into the matter continues.
