Theft of firearms from police station: Accused sentenced to 35 years

PETRUSVILLE – One of the five accused standing trial for theft of firearms and ammunition from the police station in Petrusville in the Northern Cape, was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment.

Six suspects, including two police sergeants aged 44 and 43 who were stationed at the Petrusville police station, were arrested months after the theft which took place on 6 November 2023.

The suspects were arrested in June 2024 after a multi-disciplinary operation consisting of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (Hawks) Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Crime Intelligence and the Kimberley Flying Squad.

Firearms were later recovered in Senekal and Marquard in the Free State.

This matter was taken to the Director of Public Prosecution for decision and it was concluded that five suspects must stand trial for theft, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The Kimberley Regional Court recently sentenced one of the accused, Benjamin Motsoane, who pleaded guilty as charged. Motsoane was sentenced as follows:

• count 1 (theft of firearms and ammunition): ten years’ imprisonment;
• count 2 (unlawful possession of a firearm without a license): five years’ imprisonment;
• count 3 (unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm – fully automatic firearm without a license): 13 years’ imprisonment;
• count 4 (unlawful possession of ammunition): two years’ imprisonment; and
• count 5 (contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act): five years’ imprisonment.

The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe, Hawks spokesperson, said the trial against the rest of the accused will proceed from 17 to 21 November in the De Aar Regional Court.

“Stealing from the police station and being aided by our own members, that is the biggest betrayal which borders treason. We are hoping for hefty sentences for the other accused,” commented the provincial head of the Hawks in the Northern Cape, Major General Stephen Mabuela, who welcomed Motsoane’s sentence.