R80 000 liquor stolen from PA bottle store

ROB KNOWLES

SIX prominent business people accused of stealing about R80 000 worth of liquor appeared in the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday.

The accused are FNB consultant Phumezile Rolo, Ward 10 committee member and former Santa TB Hospital administrator David Willy, former manager at Absa Mthuthuzeli Pikoli, former Old Mutual employees Kabelo Moahloli and Nosicelo Yanta and Thandile Saki who is currently unemployed.

The six are alleged to have stolen stock over a period of time from the Tops Liquor Store (now the Historic Pig and Whistle Liquor Store) in Campbell Street.

The accused are alleged to have bribed a security guard, Mbolelo Xamise, and the check-out clerk, Lorima Willie, in order to perpetrate the crime. Xamise and Willie were arrested separately and later released on bail.

"When I look at the people before me I am surprised,” said magistrate Walter la Grange.

The six accused were released on bail and the case was postponed until December 5.