BLOEMFONTEIN – Convicted stock thief Petrus Bolofo (47) has suffered another blow in the stock theft matter. The Free State Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa have secured a preservation order of his high-end Isuzu KB 250 R/Cab bakkie.
The Free State High Court granted the order yesterday – Thursday, 6 November. This action falls under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), which allows for the seizure of assets that are either the proceeds of crime or have been used as an instrumentality in the commission of an offence.
WO Fikiswa Matoti said the value of the preserved vehicle is estimated at R250 000.
The vehicle is linked to a stock theft incident that took place in Steynsrus on 18 July 2022.
“Bolofo was intercepted while transporting stolen sheep from Pandam Farm in Steynsrus. He was unable to provide proof of purchase or ownership of the livestock. This lead to his arrest by the Steynsrus police. The sheep were later positively identified by the lawful owner,” said Matoti.
Bolofo’s first blow came with his conviction and sentence on 24 August 2023. He was sentenced to pay a fine of R6 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of stock theft.
Matoti said the court suspended half of the sentence for five years with condition. Despite securing a conviction against Bolofo, the elite crime-fighting wing pursued the matter further. This culminated in their securing a preservation order for the vehicle in favour of the state.
Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), has welcomed the outcome, further commending the collaborative efforts of the Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit in the matter, adding: “The ruling reinforces the commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb stock theft in the province.”
