Three individuals accused of stock theft are scheduled to make their second appearance in the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 September 2025. The accused, Naledi Motheo (35), Goitseone Gwai (42), and Monnapula Lephoi (61), were each granted bail of R2,000.00 following their arrests in late August.
The case stems from an incident in Madibogopan Village that began in the early hours of Thursday, 28 August 2025. According to police reports, the livestock owner discovered his animals were missing from their kraal. He, along with his brother and a neighbour, immediately began a search.
Their efforts led them to spot two suspicious vehicles—a Toyota Avanza and a Toyota Hilux—parked along the road in the Dithwaneng Section. The police were promptly called to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found individuals in the process of loading goats into the bakkie. With the exception of the Hilux’s driver, the group fled into nearby bushes. Meanwhile, the female driver of the Toyota Avanza drove away from the location.
The livestock owner positively identified 14 goats and four sheep as his stolen property. The driver of the Toyota Hilux was placed under arrest at the scene, and the vehicle was confiscated.
In a subsequent development, the driver of the Avanza arrived at the local police station around 06:00 that same morning, accompanied by a male individual, to enquire about the arrest of the Hilux driver. Both were then arrested in connection with the stock theft.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, praised the operation. He described it as “excellent work aided by an alert owner and the quick response of the police to the complaint.” General Asaneng has instructed that both the Toyota Hilux bakkie and the Toyota Avanza be seized and subjected to the instrumentality procedure.
The three accused made their initial court appearance on Friday, 29 August 2025, and will return to court for their next hearing on September 29th.
