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Three police officers and a civilian have been arrested in Vryburg, North West, in connection with a stock theft case.
The suspects – sergeants Mosimanegape Mokoena (40), Difedile Modisaotsile (43), constable Lemogang Gaelesiwe (31), and Loeto Moncho (43) – were apprehended for alleged stock theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
This follows the arrest of another police officer approximately a month ago in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, in a high-profile case involving similar charges. Although it received limited media coverage, another officer was also recently arrested in Standerton, Mpumalanga, in connection with stock theft allegations.
The minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, praised the swift action by police, calling the arrests “a clear message that crime, especially by those sworn to uphold the law, will not be tolerated.”
Minister concerned
Minister Steenhuisen has expressed deep concern over the nature of the offense, particularly the involvement of police officials. “Stock theft is a plague on our agricultural communities and a direct attack on rural livelihoods and food security,” he stated. “It causes extreme economic hardship and emotional distress to our farmers, the backbone of our agricultural sector.”
The fact that police officers are alleged to be involved in this appalling crime is absolutely shameful and a gross breach of public trust,” the minister continued. “I entirely associate myself with the swift response by the North West police, and acting provincial commissioner of North West, major general Patrick Asaneng, to make sure that these criminal elements face the full might of the law,” minister Steenhuisen added.
Commitment to rural safety and justice
The minister commended the efforts of the various units that were involved in the successful arrests and investigation, namely Vryburg K9, Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES), and Vryburg Crime Intelligence, and detectives.
“These arrests are a testament to the efficacy of collective effort to combat rural and on-farm crime. We require, and we will, strengthen our partnerships with the law enforcement agencies, rural safety organisations, and our dedicated farmers to eliminate such crime,” the minister declared.
A turning point?
Willie Clack, a senior Criminology researcher at the University of South Africa (Unisa) specialising in rural crime, described the recent arrests of corrupt police officers as encouraging. “What is interesting to me,” he said, “is that we are now seeing police officers arresting their own colleagues. This suggests that many officers are becoming tired of criminal acts within their ranks.”
Clack referred to a 2024 study led by major general Kobus Schwartz of the South African Police Service (SAPS), The Rural Frontline: Manifestations of Police Corruption and Criminality. The research found a deep divide on the rural policing frontline: Roughly 40% of officers were viewed as lazy or corrupt, while 60% were committed to working ethically.
According to Clack, this imbalance creates daily tension. The corrupt minority deliver poor service, frustrate the public, and undermine the integrity of the majority. “Make no mistake,” he said, “the law-abiding officers are fed up. Their reputations are being dragged through the mud, and the corrupt individuals are making their work much harder.” The irony, Clack added, is that officers often know exactly who the culprits are. But to secure an arrest, one must catch the offender in the act – a challenge that is, in practice, far easier said than done.
The accused is scheduled to reappear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
