KOMANI- A 46-year-old Police Sergeant Andile Matantala attached to the Stock Theft Unit at Alice South African Police Service(SAPS), appeared at Queenstown Magistrate’s Court in Komani on 19th December 2024 facing allegations of theft and fraud. Matantala was arrested by Hawks on 18th December 2024.
According to Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Matantala is accused of stealing cattle from a man he arrested in June 2021. “It is alleged the policeman accused the complainant of having stolen cattle. Afterwards, the complainant provided proof to the accused that the livestock was reported stolen by the complainant and it is further alleged that even though the complainant reportedly produced proof that he bought the cows, he was arrested and the livestock was seized and taken to a livestock pound,” Mhlakuvana said.
Mhlakuvana added that the investigations by the Hawks confirmed that Matantala allegedly booked the cattle at the Enoch Mgijima Municipality pound on 15 July 2021. “The following day, the same livestock was booked out by the accused where he handed it over to his acquaintance.” said Mhlakuvana.
Matantala was released on R5000.00 bail on 19th December 2024 and the matter was adjourned to February.
photograph: supplied
