22 Jul 2021

Two suspects in the theft of 18 Kalahari red goats worth close to P300 00 were on Thursday(July 22) remanded in custody.

In his plea for the two men to be remanded in custody, Superintendent Isaac Mamadi of Lobatse indicated that the duo, 36-year-old Melvin Josephs of Ranaka and 34-year-old Bernard Kooreeng of Kanye, were only recently arrested and that they were still on the hunt for the third suspect who was still on the run.

Supt Mamadi also argued that they were still fresh into the investigations.

“As the police, we normally prefer to register cases after investigations are complete, but sometimes circumstances dictate that we register them before that, which is the case in this matter,” he said.

Supt Mamadi also indicated that he had earlier agreed with the suspects that they would not seek bail until at least next week Tuesday when the investigating officer had gathered some more information, but indicated nonetheless that if the accused persons wish to renege on the agreement they were free to do so, and that the prosecution would be ready to oppose the application.

He said so far, 10 of the stolen goats had been recovered, and were in the process of meeting the farmer to reconcile the numbers, as the suspects indicated that they only knew of 11 goats, not 18 as the farmer had reported.

The two are accused of having cut open the fence of a farm belonging to one Hennie Herbest in Machana near Jwaneng on 14 July and stolen 18  Kalahari Red stud goats, each worth around P16 300, that were recently bought at an auction sale in Letlhakane.

The duo is expected back in court next week Tuesday for hearing. ends