Schweizer-Reneke – Former African National Congress MP, 48-year-old Veronica Mapule Mafolo, and her accomplice 36-year-old Thabo Freddy Phutiyagae have been sent to prison after they were caught trying to auction stolen Bonsmara calves.
Narrating events leading to the arrest of the pair, NPA North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said one morning – about five years ago – a local farmer noticed fresh car tracks on his farm.
“Upon counting his stock, he realised that two Bonsmara calves were missing, and he subsequently alerted his brother to report the matter to the police,” recalled Mamothame.
The Bonsmara is an outstanding beef breed, resistant to diseases, and in much demand.
“The farmer was later called at the Vryburg Auction Kraals, where he positively identified his missing calves,” said Mamothame.
Mafolo and Phutiyagae were arrested on 12 January 2018.
Evidence led in the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court revealed that Mafolo pleaded with the farmer not to lay charges against her as it would dent her reputation as a Member of Parliament.
At the time of her arrest Mafolo was an ANC member in the Ruth Mompati District, in the North West.
Mafolo and Phutiyagae were tried and found guilty.
Arguing in aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Advocate Mpho Sephapo, urged the court to impose direct imprisonment.
The prosecutor said stock theft in the North West was prevalent and a prison sentence was appropriate.
Magistrate Paul Moeng agreed with the state and described the action by the duo as having been influenced by greed.
Before sending the pair to prison, the magistrate said he considered that stock theft harms a farmers business and destroys employment for farm workers..
Commenting on the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, Sergeant Masoko from the South African Police Service and other role players for a successful conviction.
Stock theft is rife in our province and the criminal justice system will deal harshly with perpetrators of such offences without fear, favour or prejudice, Dr. Rachel Makhari said.
