Media Statement from Mpumalanga Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

04 August 2014

Ermelo - Today 04 August 2014, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Major General Meshack Nogwanya announced that a Warrant Officer stationed at the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, and his son appeared before the Ermelo Magistrates' Court on allegations of stock theft.

Their appearance is informed by an incident that occurred on Saturday, 02 August 2014 in Ermelo. It was reported to police that there were people who have stolen sheep and were travelling in a silver Ford Ranger bakkie. The police then intensified their patrols in order to be on the lookout of the said vehicle. They spotted the vehicle in town and stopped whereby a search was conducted. Members discovered that the two occupants, one of them identified as Warrant Officer Themba Kuhlaze (43), with his son Mxolisi Shabalala (27) have loaded five carcases of sheep at the back of the bakkie.

A further probe uncovered that Kuhlaze had no authority to garage or use the vehicle which was identified as a police vehicle allocated to the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo. It was also revealed that the sheep were stolen from Good Hope Farm in Ermelo. The duo were apprehended and charged with stock theft.

Major General Nogwanya explicitly condemns the alleged acts by Kuhlaze and his son. He reiterated his warning to the police that no one is above the law. Maj General Nogwanya also applauded the police who after receiving information, operationalised it effectively and arrested their own. He further thanked the public for the tip off as it assisted the police to arrest the suspects.

Kuhlaze is also expected to answer to his allegations during the internal investigation process. He is also facing an additional charge of using a motor vehicle without owner's concern.

Both suspects were remanded in custody and their next court appearance is scheduled to 15 August 2014, for further investigation.

-End-

Media Enquiries:

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

Mobile: 071 353 6955

Issued by the Corporate Communication Directorate
South African Police Service, Mpumalanga Provincial Office