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The minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, welcomed the 12-year prison sentence handed down by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court to Rhulani Herbert Maringa, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (Stesu).
Maringa was convicted of orchestrating the theft of livestock valued at R80 000 from the Zonderwater Correctional Services facility in 2019. Despite serving a unit specifically designed to protect farmers, evidence revealed that Maringa abused his position to plan the crime and guide accomplices to a local abattoir.
No tolerance for abuse of power
“This sentence sends an unmistakable message that crime will not be tolerated, especially when committed by those entrusted with upholding the law,” said Steenhuisen. “Stock theft is not a victimless crime; it causes severe economic hardship and profound emotional distress to our farmers, who remain the backbone of our national agricultural sector.”
Steenhuisen described the involvement of a specialised stock theft officer as shameful, noting that such actions undermine public trust in essential institutions. He added that the court’s decision serves as a vital deterrent to others who might consider exploiting their positions of power to harm agricultural communities.
“I want to commend the diligent work of the prosecution and the investigators who left no stone unturned to ensure justice prevailed,” he said. “Protecting the property rights of our citizens is paramount to a thriving economy, and today, the legal system stood firmly behind our farmers.” – Media statement by the Ministry of Agriculture
For media enquiries, please contact Joylene van Wyk at 083 292 7399 or 063 298 5661 or send an email to joylenev@nda.gov.za or medialiaison@nda.agric.za
