Former ANC MP jailed for cattle theft in Schweizer Reneke
Former ANC Member of Parliament Veronica Mapule Mafolo has been sentenced to three years in prison for cattle theft.
The 48-year-old woman was jailed together with co-accused Thabo Freddy Phutiyagae (36) on Monday.
The two were arrested following a theft of two Bonsmara calves that went missing from a farm in Schweizer Reneke in January 2018.
"The farmer noticed fresh car tracks in his farm in the early hours of the morning, and upon counting his stock, he realised that were missing, and he subsequently alerted his brother to report the matter to the police,” said North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
"The farmer was later called at the Vryburg Auction Kraals, where he positively identified his missing calves.
"Evidence led in court revealed that Mafolo pleaded with the farmer not to lay charges against her as it would dent her reputation as a member of Parliament."
In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor Mpho Sephapo urged the court to impose direct imprisonment on the accused as the offence they committed is prevalent in the province.
Magistrate Paul Moeng agreed with the state and described the action by the duo as influenced by greed.
He further indicated that stock-theft harm the farmer’s business and further destroys employment for farm workers.
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