Sebele gets 4-year jail term

As if that was not painful enough, magistrate Dumisane Basupi has also ordered Sebele to compensate one state witness, Fraiser, the two goats that he (Sebele) forcefully took from him.

Basupi also found that the offence of stock theft has become prevalent and a clear message that the courts do not condone such, had to be sent to potential perpetrators. "Accused is a chief who, according to the mitigation, has dealt with many customary court cases. I have no doubt that he has tried stock theft matters. Here, he is expected to lead by example. Having done the opposite, I find this an aggravating factor. This is because he knows very well what the consequences of stealing stock are", Basupi said. He wondered what led Sebele to steal a goat because the evidence led in court showed that he has many goats, owns tractors, cattle as well as a cattle post, field and has motor vehicles.