Lawyer drops NW NPA boss in shoplifting case
The case against the head of Special Commercial Crimes Unit in the North West has been postponed until August.
The 53-year-old Jeanette Neveling is being accused of shoplifting the Crossing Shopping Mall in Mmabatho earlier this year.
Provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Henry Mamothame says Neveling appeared without legal representation on Wednesday.
"She indicated to the court that her attorney had withdrawn from representing her.
"She also informed the court of her new legal representative who could not be in court owing to other commitments."
Mamothame added advocate Mashudu Mudau had been sent from Limpopo to ensure there were no perceived conflict of interest in the matter.
Neveling was given a copy of the docket and video footage of the shoplifting incident.
"He further requested for the appointment of a senior magistrate from an outside jurisdiction to preside over the case to avoid any similar perceived conflict of interest or bias," Mamothame said.
Neveling allegedly stole clothing and food items valued at approximately R3000.
She has since been suspended by the NPA pending internal disciplinary proceedings.
"Her R500 bail has been extended until her next court appearance,” says Mamothame.
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