Cop suspended again for suspected stock theft -Recently returned from 9-month suspension afer similar case
A police constable who recently returned to work after serving a nine-month suspension for alleged stock theft has been suspended again accused of a similar offence.
Last October, 43-year-old Gaokgakala Abang, a general duty officer of Sojwe Police in the Kweneng District, was acquitted of stock theft by Mochudi Magistrates Court.
Abang, along with two other men, was accused of stealing five goats worth P5, 000 belonging to one Segametsi Gaelebale.
The animals were reportedly stolen from Shadishadi village between the months of October 2017 and June 2018.
While Abang was acquitted, his co-accused, Isaac Bareeng, 33, and Ditshego Phamodi, 37, were both found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment each.
However, it seems the policeman has not been able to keep out of trouble for long.
In March, Abang, along with five other men, was fingered in the theft of three cattle. The stolen cattle were allegedly taken from Sojwe and transported to Molelpolole. Police eventually located the animals at Mogonono, roughly 12km from Molepolole, where they also arrested the six suspects.
It seems Abang, who had been warned not to register stock after his first court case, did just that.
According to a police source, upon realizing he was the only officer around, Abang grabbed some registration forms from Sojwe station. He then allegedly snuck out to the trees at the back of the station and filled in the paper work.
He is then said to have issued a clearance permit to his co-accused.
The six suspects – including: Dikutlo Basimololdi, 53, Matlhogonolo Gaonapelo, 37, Letsweletse Modise, 39, all from Sojwe, Keletso Pule, 33, of Gaborone West and Kago Mooketsi, 29, of Serowe – were arraigned at the end of March and granted bail.
They were due to appear for mention before Molepolole Magistrates Court last week but the date was postponed due to Covid-19 regulations.
In a brief interview with The Voice, Sojwe Station Commander, Superintendent Kitsiso Lemogang, confirmed that Abang is on suspension and will not return to duty until investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, Abang’s colleagues expressed pity for their work-mate, fearing he was likely to lose his job.
“This guy, these days our salaries are better. We don’t know his problem, if he is bewitched or stubborn!” said a cop who preferred anonymity.
