SAPS Sergeant arrested for stealing cattle from man he arrested

A policeman, holding the rank of Sergeant, appeared in the Queenstown Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Cape on Thursday facing allegations of theft and fraud. 

Andile Matantala, 46, was arrested on Wednesday by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks.

Matantala, who is attached to the Stock Theft Unit at Alice SA Police Service (SAPS) is accused of stealing cattle from a man he arrested in June 2021. 

Explaining the merits of the case, Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said it is alleged the complainant was en route to East London carrying four cattle with a trailer when he was intercepted by the police.

"Police searched the vehicle and the trailer."

It is alleged the policeman accused the complainant of having stolen cattle.

The suspect reportedly indicated that the livestock was reported stolen by the complainant.

"Subsequently, the complainant provided proof to the accused that the cows belonged to him and he bought them from the lawful owner," Mhlakuvana said.

"It is further alleged that even though the complainant reportedly produced proof that he bought the cows, he was arrested and the livestock was seized and taken to a livestock pound. Later on, the case against the complainant was reportedly withdrawn permanently and he approached the suspect claiming back his cattle."

Mhlakuvana said the complainant was told different stories and was promised that he would get his cattle back.

The matter was reported to the Hawks for thorough probing.

"The investigations by the Hawks confirmed that the suspect allegedly booked the cattle at Enoch Mgijima Municipality pound on July 15, 2021," Mhlakuvana said.

"The following day, the same livestock was booked out by the accused where he handed over to his acquaintance. Further investigations led to his arrest on December 18, 2024."

Matantala was released on R5,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to February. 

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