Dramatic turn of events over ‘stolen’ bakkie

The Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court has withdrawn charges against one of two suspects linked to the alleged theft of a bakkie in Bela-Bela.

The vehicle and one of the two suspects were traced to the village of Gasekgopo outside Polokwane.

The clerk of court on Tuesday 3 February confirmed that Simon Makgatho walked off scot free, while his alleged accomplice, Thomas Makhubela was released on bail of R1 000.

The new developments were pronounced by the court on Friday 28 February.

The latter is expected to appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 25 March, pending further investigations.

At the time of the two men’s arrests, Bela-Bela police spokesperson, Sergeant Frans Maponya, said one of the men were tracked down to Gasekgopo and the other in the Rotterdam area.

He confirmed that the two men both lived in Bela-Bela.

The two men’s arrest was linked to the alleged theft of a bakkie in Bela-Bela.

— The BEAT