12 Mar 2014

Kanye's Magistrate Janet Phosa has granted conditional bail to two men charged with the theft of a water tank and gum poles. 

Onaathata Semoko aged 39 years of Mobidisa ward in Mmathethe and Jacob Moengele, 45, of Ruele ward in Kanye were charged with stealing 5 000 litre water tank valued at P5 598 and 600 gum poles valued at P 6 228 from Mmabadisa cattle post between September and December last year.

The two were arrested two weeks back and100 gum poles were seized from the second accused’s ploughing field.

During mitigation, Semoko said he was a breadwinner and his wife had a new born baby, while Moengele pleaded that his wife was seven months pregnant. Moengele added that he had a small business which closed down since his arrest.

Ms Phosa granted the duo bail on condition they reported to the nearest police station every week until determination of the matter.  They should also not interfere with the witnesses and should appear in court whenever they would be required.  Ends