Prosecutor cleared of stock theft charges

A SUSPENDED prosecutor, Mortlan Kiewiets, and his co-accused were acquitted of stock theft charges in the Fraserburg Magistrate's Court due to discrepancies in the testimonies of State witnesses.

Kiewiets, a district court prosecutor, and his co-accused, Leonard Ricket, Rufus Snyers, Jan Baadjies and Jason Pienaar, were arrested and charged with stock theft, trespassing and using a motor vehicle without consent.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane stated that the "Melkskaap" sheep, valued at thousands of rand, were specifically bred by the complainant's father.

“The complainant who is the caretaker of his father’s farm and a sheep herder, told the court that the sheep were very unique and could cost more than R30,000, depending on their genetics,” said Senokoatsane.

He noted that several State witnesses were called to the stand during the trial, which began in September 2023.

Senokoatsane explained that the State would study the court's decision to discharge the accused and consider whether to appeal the judgment.

“The court pointed out numerous discrepancies in the evidence of the State witnesses. The National Prosecuting Authority continues to prosecute without favour, fear or prejudice,” Senokoatsane stated.