Mooifontein brick theft case delayed over missing arrests
Sithole appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on July 15 following the previous postponement of the matter.
The case against alleged truck driver Adam Obed Sithole, who is accused of transporting stolen pavement bricks from Mooifontein Cemetery, has been postponed after the court raised concerns over delays in the investigation.
Sithole appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on July 15 following the previous postponement of the matter.
During proceedings, the State informed the court that instructions issued for the arrest of additional implicated police officers had not been followed, resulting in further delays.
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The court had previously directed that the outstanding suspects be arrested following Sithole’s first appearance in May 2026. However, the State indicated that the arrests had not been effected.
Due to the lack of progress, the docket was marked as final by the court.
The matter was postponed to August 18 for a 24/28 inquiry. During this time, the investigating officer and police commander will be required to appear and explain the delays in the arrests of the outstanding suspects.
Sithole first appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on May 13, facing charges of theft and possession of stolen property.
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The State alleges that Sithole was the driver of a white Toyota truck used to transport pavement bricks from Mooifontein Cemetery. The bricks are valued at approximately R100 000.
According to the State, two suspects allegedly fled the scene, leaving Sithole with the truck, which led to his arrest.
The court previously heard allegations that two police officials may have been linked to the matter, with one allegedly hiring Sithole to transport the bricks and another allegedly referring the customer.
The State argued that the failure to arrest the implicated officers, despite the evidence presented, could amount to defeating the ends of justice.
It added that the conduct of the arresting officer would be addressed through the appropriate channels.
Sithole and his defence team argued that he was merely a driver employed by Buildrite and had been hired by a police official, identified as Mr Chauke, to transport the bricks.
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The defence further argued that Sithole was seated in the truck using his phone while the bricks were loaded and that video footage could confirm the yard where the loading took place, rather than the cemetery.
The magistrate previously expressed reluctance to keep Sithole in custody, citing his status as a first-time offender and concerns raised regarding the conduct of police officials involved in the matter.
The State had requested a month-long postponement to allow for further investigations, including identifying additional suspects who may be added to the case, verifying the alleged Buildrite referral and confirming the total value of the bricks.
Sithole was granted R2 000 bail.
