Three police officers attached to Vryburg Detectives appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on October 3. They were charged with stock theft, following their arrest on the evening of September 30.
“The accused, Sergeant Difedile Modisaotsile (43), Sergeant Mosimanegape Mokoena (40), and Constable Lemogang Gaelesiwe (31), were each granted bail of R1 000,00. They are expected to reappear in court on November 11,” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane.
According to Tselanyane, the case stems from an incident reported by a farmer at Broedersput farm, who discovered that four of his sheep were missing. After noticing unfamiliar vehicle tracks on his property, the farmer reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed a white Nissan NP300 bakkie entering the farm.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the vehicle belonged to Vryburg Detectives.
A joint operation involving the Vryburg K9 Unit, Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), District and Vryburg Detectives, Vryburg Crime Intelligence, and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) led officers to Dithakwaneng village, outside Vryburg.
At an RDP house in the village, police discovered two and a half sheep carcasses. The homeowner, Loeto Moncho (43), was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. He appeared in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on, October 1, and was released on R500,00 bail. Moncho will also reappear in court on November 11, alongside the three police officials.
Reacting to the arrests, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, strongly condemned the alleged involvement of police officers in criminal activity.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) is not a place for disgraceful rogue elements such as these members who should languish in jail,” he said.
