TWO MEN CONVICTED TO TEN YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT ON STOCK THEFT

The Thabazimbi Regional Court has on, Tuesday 10 February 2026, found guilty two accused men on Stock theft in the Northam .

The accused , Ariel Matsape,43, and Joseph Tshinto, 30 were sentenced to ten years direct imprisonment on Stock Theft and were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Thabazimbi Regional Court heard that on Sunday, 09 June 2024, during the night, three males stole nine herd of cattle at Koedoeskop Farm in the Northam policing area. The cattle were en route to Pylkop in the North West Province.

A member of the community noticed the cattle passing his house and allerted other community members. They tried to capture the suspects, who evaded the arrest before they were later finally captured.

This was after the first responder police were summoned and were later on joined by the Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit (STES), who worked tirelessly until the three suspects were finally found apprehended the same day.

The suspects made several court appearances at Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court and were later granted bail. During trial, when the court was about to pass judgement, one of the accused, Joseph Tshinto, evaded trial A warrant for his arrest was issued by the court and he was traced and rearrested. He remained in custody until the case was finalized. The meticulous investigation by Warrant Officer Amanda Rossouw paid off leading to the court outcome . Charges against the third suspect were withdrawn by the Court before the commencement of trial. The two accused were each sentenced to ten years direct imprisonment for stock theft.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded all role players, for their dedication and contribution, including the community and the National Prosecution for their respective roles which led to this successful prosecution.

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