Qacha’s Nek, Sept. 25 — Senior Resident Magistrate Ts’eliso Bale of the Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court has granted Matlali Monamatha, a 29-year-old from Sehlabathebe, Ha Sephelane, and Refeletse Ranthokolo , a 19-year-old from Thaba-Tseka, Sehonghong, who is currently staying at Ha Sephelane, M500 bail each.
The two are charged with contravening Section 13 of the Stock Theft Act No. 4 of 2000, as amended by Section 13(b)(3)(d) of the Stock Theft Amendment Act No. 5 of 2003, read with Section 14.
It is alleged that on July 15, 2026, at Ha Sephelane, they were found in possession of 10 sheep.
Advocate Mpho Phakisa, instructed by Advocate Clolizele Nzema, told the court that she appeared on behalf of the accused to apply for bail.
During the bail application, she said Monamatha is a livestock farmer, has one daughter and is separated from his wife, with whom he has been looking after their child.
She also said Ranthokolo is a hired shepherd employed by Monamatha’s brother.
“Both have been cooperative with the police and have reported whenever they were ordered to. We pray for bail on Own Recognisance (OR). They will not interfere with crown witnesses,” she said, referring the court to Bolofo Matsoso v DPP, C/APN/08/1996, on guidelines for granting bail.
The prosecutor, Crown Counsel Advocate Lerato Nko, did not oppose the granting of bail but for the release of OR.
“May deposit be required. There is a third accused to be joined who is still at work in South Africa,” she said.
In reply, Advocate Phakisa argued that Ranthokolo earns a monthly income but had not yet been paid by his employer, who is currently away. “He won’t be able to afford payment of his bail deposit,” she said.
Having heard both sides, Magistrate Bale granted the two accused bail on condition that each pays a bail deposit, attends all remands and stands trial to finality.
They were remanded to October 6, 2026.
Ends/MPM
