Former Station Commander Imprisoned for Stock Theft in Tweeling

In a shocking breach of duty, the former Acting Station Commander of Tweeling Police Station, Mokete Jacob Mokoena, has been sentenced to three years of direct imprisonment by the Tweeling Magistrates' Court for his role in a stock theft incident. His accomplice, Lefa Elias Mahlaba, was also implicated and sentenced to two years.

The case unfolded on the night of March 21, 2021, when Mokoena, then the Visible Policing (VISPOL) Commander, misused his position and police resources to facilitate a stock theft operation. Dressed in full South African Police Service (SAPS) uniform and patrolling in a marked police vehicle, Mokoena was not on a routine patrol but on a criminal mission. He was accompanied by Mahlaba, a civilian, who played a pivotal role in the act.

The duo targeted Speekhoutboom farm, owned by Danie Muller. There, under the cover of darkness, Mahlaba, assisted by the illumination of Mokoena’s official SAPS torch, rounded up and tied down five sheep. Mokoena's later attempt to retrieve Mahlaba and the stolen livestock was thwarted by the timely intervention of a private security firm. The security personnel spotted Mokoena, leading to a swift chase and their ultimate capture.

Significant evidence linking the accused to the crime scene included Mokoena’s police torch found next to a slaughtered sheep and DNA-matched bloodstains on Mahlaba’s clothing. Furthermore, AVL satellite data from the police vehicle confirmed its presence at the crime scene multiple times during the night of the theft.

The trial highlighted several procedural delays, primarily caused by Mokoena's frequent changes in legal representation, which significantly protracted the proceedings. However, the persistent efforts of the prosecution, under Advocate Jacques Harrington, culminated in a successful conviction of both individuals involved.

This case starkly illustrates the severe consequences of law enforcement officers who betray their oath of office and engage in criminal activities they are sworn to combat. It also serves as a stern warning to any officer contemplating similar misdeeds, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice even against its own.