PHUTHADITJHABA – A court official of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development at the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court in Qwaqwa, Free State, has been hauled to court over the alleged theft of five dockets of pending cases. The accused, Moeketsi Mokoena (34) serves as a clerk of the court. He was granted bail set at R2 000 following a successful application during his appearance in the same court last Thursday.

Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, provincial spokesperson for the police, said bail was granted with conditions and that Mokoena will reappear on 22 October, adding that investigations were ongoing regarding the theft of the dockets. The accused faces a charge of theft.

Mophiring said the theft of the dockets was discovered when the accused in those cases were due to appear in court. “The dockets contained serious criminal charges, including murder, rape, attempted murder, stock theft and sexual assault,” said Mophiring.

“It is alleged that between 21 and 23 August, five police dockets were prepared for court proceedings scheduled for 24 August and were kept securely locked inside the prosecutor’s office. It is further alleged that an official was instructed to collect the dockets and take them to court. However, when the person tasked with fetching the dockets arrived, it was discovered that the five dockets were missing,” he said.

Mophiring said prompt probing into the theft led police to establish the suspect involved was a clerk of the court. “Mokoena was arrested on 24 August and appeared in court two days later in connection with the alleged theft of five police dockets that were kept inside the prosecutor’s office,” he said. He said the accused had been remanded before he was granted bail with conditions including that he appear in court.

Mojalefa Senokoatsane, provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said additional charges might be added against Mokoena with investigations ongoing.