Kimberley - Three people appeared in Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with the theft of tombstones.
The tombstones, valued at around R100 000, were found loaded in a truck and were allegedly sold for R45 000.
The three accused were refused bail due to outstanding cases and are in police custody. They will appear again on October 9th.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana, said on Tuesday that the police had received a tip-off which resulted in the arrests by the crime prevention team.
“The Mothibistad graveyard has been targeted by thugs for almost a year with tombstones being ripped from the graves.”
In a separate incident, two men, Rolias Mathole (30) and Itumeleng Moolman (32) were arrested on charges of stealing 16 sheep in Kuruman valued at R30 000.
They were found with a truck loaded with the sheep, which had been secured with ropes and wire.
Lieutenant Tawana said police investigation revealed that the sheep had been stolen from Sweet Home Cattle Post.
During the investigation, the detectives found that Matlhole was a wanted suspect because of pending cases against him. Matlhole and his accomplice were remanded in custody.
They will re-appear in court on October 9 for a bail application.
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