Tuesday was a great victory for stock farmers when three men were convicted and sentenced for stock theft in the Ermelo Regional Court.
MandlaThabethe (43), Thulani Mkhwanazi (19) and Sibusiso Sibanyoni (27) was involved in an incident in which a hearse was used to transport 14 stolen sheep on the Nelspan Road in 2016.
The hearse overturned when members of the public gave chase.
The driver of the vehicle (Accused 1) fled the scene and proceeded to open a false charge at the police station, saying his vehicle was stolen.
All three accused pleaded guilty to the crimes committed.
In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Charles Lloyd argued successfully.
Upon sentencing, Magistrate Sam Hallatt remarked that stock theft has become a great problem in the Ermelo region and is crippling all farmers.
In previous cases the court had farmers crying in court, having to explain losses they were suffering and problems they were experiencing with stock theft.
He then sentenced the trio accordingly.
Accused 1 was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for stock theft and three years for defeating the ends of justice.
Accused 2 was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for five years, having regard to the fact that he was under age when he committed the offence and possibly under the influence of his older co- accused.
Accused 3 was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence as it will serve as a deterrence to the convicted criminals and would-be stock thieves.
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