Hardware employees in the dock for theft

Two shop assistants, Kereng Akuje and Phenyo Thibanya; driver, Othusitse Gakgotla and labourer, Orateng Zuka are facing a single count of stealing by servant. They made their first appearance before Chief Magistrate Mokwadi Gabanagae on Tuesday. Akuje is the only female suspect in the case. She has promised to engage a lawyer while the others have opted for self-defence. The court heard that the four stole goods worth P133, 781 from the hardware. It is alleged that the four employees stole goods from the hardware frequently. They are said to have stolen a variety of building materials, paints, base sets, gates, chairs, curtain rails and wheelbarrows.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old licencing officer has pleaded not guilty to a single count of corruption. Modise Ashfold Sefako is said to have promised to sell a driver's licence to one Kabo Mosimanegape in exchange for a bribe. He is alleged to have received P5,000 for the 'job'. The state intends to call nine witnesses in the case when the trial commences.