EC cop convicted of stock theft

A Eastern Cape policeman has been convicted of stock theft by the Mthatha Magistrate's Court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Thursday.

Lt-Col Thembinkosi Mthengana was fined R10,000 (or 20 months in jail) for stealing a bull in Mthatha in 2007, NPA Eastern Cape spokesman Luxolo Jali said. He was given until February 28 to pay.

Mthengana worked for the Mthatha stock theft unit before becoming the Flagstaff police station's commander.

"Police are expected by virtue of their service to the community to be above reproach and should not even be implicated in criminal activities," said human settlements, safety and liaison MEC Helen Sauls-August.

"This has compromised the integrity of police service," she said.

- SAPA