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The Hawks in the Eastern Cape arrested a 46-year-old policeman on allegations of fraud and theft.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Sergeant Andile Matantala is attached to the Stock Theft Unit in Dikeni, formerly Alice.
He said the matter relates to the alleged theft of cattle confiscated from a complainant in June 2021.
He said the complainant was stopped by police while transporting four cows on a trailer.
Mhlakuvana said even though the complainant reportedly produced proof that he bought the cows, he was arrested and the livestock taken to a pound.
He said when the matter was later withdrawn, the complainant was given different stories but promised to get his livestock back, but this didn’t happen.
It emerged that the Matantala had booked out the cattle from the pound in July 2021 and had given them to an acquaintance.
He appeared in the Komani Magistrates court on Thursday, where he was granted bail of R5 000.
Sergeant Matantala must be back in court in February 2025.
