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Arrest warrant issued for non-compliance
The suspect, from Driezik 3 in Orange Farms, is wanted regarding three similar cases of animal stock theft in the Barrage, Westonaria and Ennerdale areas.
VEREENIGING. – An arrest warrant is now out for John Mqoqo (49) following his non-compliance to appear in court on three different occasions. Police Captain Johannes Mabusela, commander of the Vereeniging Stock Theft Unit, said that Moqoqo had enough chances to come forward.
The suspect, from Driezik 3 in Orange Farms, is wanted regarding three similar cases of animal stock theft in the Barrage, Westonaria and Ennerdale areas. Mqoqo has since been on the run, avoiding appearances at a Magistrates Court on three related charges of animal stock theft. Attempts to lure him into facing the consequences at court hit a wall.
Police waited anxiously for the suspect when he was supposed to appear in Vanderbijlpark on March 1. An alleged shepherd who was forced to take the blame after the police found him in possession of the stolen animals has been released. Police could not link him to the animals. At least 11 cattle and 31 goats were found in the different rooms of the suspect’s house at the Driezik 3. This is after police followed up on a tip-off that led to an arrest on February 8.
The suspect has been out on bail over a similar matter recorded at the Fochville Magistrates Court and the Vanderbijlpark Court.
By the time police confiscated the animals, Mqoqo telephonically claimed to be around Fochville.
He later claimed he was in Heidelberg. Police appeal to members of the community to help locate the Mqoqo. “Anyone with information on his whereabouts may contact the nearest police station,” said Captain Mabusela.
lazarus.dithagiso@media24.com
