Police photo album delays case

 

A stock theft case in Kanye continues to drag on due to delays in preparing a police photo album.

This came to light on Monday when five accused persons appeared before the Kanye Magistrate Court for final mention to set a trial date.

The accused, Mogotsi Ntetang, One Ntshutelang, Gotsilemang Akanyang, Gaborekwe Dimoko, and Ame Tsile, are facing charges of stealing stock contrary to Section 3(1) of the Stock Theft Act.

The alleged offence occurred in January 2025 at Selokolela village in the Southern District, where six goats, valued at P6,000, were stolen from Ntirelang Stephen Phirinyane.

Inspector Lebogang Rapulane, appearing on behalf of Prosecutor Mabutho Mabutho, told the court that the case could not proceed to trial because two of the suspects had not yet viewed the police photo album.

He explained that while the photos are available, proper covers for compiling the albums are lacking.

Magistrate Koziba Kgakole-Mokokong questioned why the album could not be shared or copied digitally, saying, “We cannot be stuck in old times. The suspects may be given memory sticks instead, rather than delaying the case.”

All four accused on bail had nothing to say when given a chance to speak. However, the fifth suspect, Ame Tsile, who remains in custody, complained that the delay was unfair and asked to be granted bail. His plea was dismissed.

The matter was postponed to October 14th for mention to set a trial date.

The case adds to growing concern over the surge in stock theft incidents across the Southern District, with many farmers expressing frustration over delayed justice in such cases.