Ex-cop steals goats, again
2010-08-20 18:03
Ermelo - A former Limpopo policeman, who was out on bail in two separate cases of stock theft, will appear in the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Monday after he was busted with stolen animals again.
Ben Modiba, aged 42, was arrested by the Ermelo police's stock theft unit during a roadblock on August 5.
He and five other suspects were caught transporting 43 stolen goats in two bakkies to the Ermelo auction kraal.
Modiba allegedly tried to bribe one of the policemen with R4 000 to let them go, but they were arrested and the goats, which are worth R30 000, and the two vehicles were confiscated.
Warrant Officer Chris Hartley from the unit said Modiba was fired from the Motetema Police Station near Groblersdal on March 28 after being implicated in the theft of 37 goats earlier that month.
"We've discovered that he did not hand in his police uniform, ID card or service pistol, which he allegedly used in carrying out his crimes. Stock farmers from Limpopo have told us that he would 'confiscate' their cattle, which is why they did not lay theft charges.
Farmers' petition
"At the time of his arrest in Ermelo he was also in full uniform and had his police ID card. He will face additional charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice, and he will have to disclose the whereabouts of his service pistol,” Hartley said.
In the other two cases against him, Modiba was given R1 000 bail in the Groblersdal Magistrate's Court and is scheduled to appear again on September 2.
He was also given R500 bail in June in the Nebo Magistrate's Court near Polokwane, where he appeared on charges of stealing eight goats and six cattle. The case was supposed to go ahead on Wednesday but was postponed because of Modiba's arrest.
"Since word of his latest arrest has spread, about 85 stock farmers from around Groblersdal and Nebo who claim Modiba stole cattle and goats from them have presented a petition to oppose him getting bail. They said if he gets out, his life will be in danger,” said Hartley.
The drivers of the bakkies were released on R5 000 bail each, while Modiba and three co-accused will apply for bail on Monday.