TWO MEN CONVICTED ON STOCK THEFT AND ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES IN MANKWENG
POLOKWANE – Two men, Patrick Sebashe (40) and Sihlangu Pontsho Vincent (37), have been convicted and sentenced by the Mankweng District Court on charges of stock theft and cruelty to animals.
The accused were arrested on Friday, 23 August 2024, at about 05:20 along the Mentz R71 road in the Mankweng policing area, Capricorn District, after being found in possession of suspected stolen livestock.
Investigations revealed that ten (10) cattle were stolen, comprising seven (7) live cattle and three (3) carcasses. The lawful owner from The Oaks, Sekororo, later identified the livestock at Mokopane SPCA. Seven (7) live cattle were recovered.
On 28 January 2026, the Mankweng District Court found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced them to twenty-four (24) months’ direct imprisonment, wholly suspended, on condition that they compensate the complainant in the amount of R28 000.00 in terms of Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977.
The case was investigated by Detective Constable Morongwe Dorah Ramokgodza of the Polokwane Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the conviction, stating that SAPS remains committed to combating stock theft and protecting the livelihoods of rural communities.
