Three copper syndicate members caught in possession of Transnet copper cables worth more than R500 000 received a minimum sentence of four years’ direct imprisonment. The Koppies Regional Court on Thursday, 19 September, sentenced thieves Phumlani Mgezi (38), Lunga Mazwi (26), and Lebohang Mahapa (42) after finding them guilty of stealing Transet copper cables.
The crime encompasses the tampering and damage of essential infrastructure. The economic damage of copper theft alone has been estimated at more than R45 billion annually to South Africa’s economy. This is according to recent research commissioned by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition from an independent research team of Genesis Analytics.
The accused’s sentencing was a result of work by the Kroonstad police’s Highway Patrol members, who arrested the accused in October 2022.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the accused were remanded in custody for the duration of trial until their sentencing.
“The Kroonstad Highway Patrol members were conducting their normal patrol duties when they spotted a white Toyota Quantum and its occupants. They searched the vehicle, discovering the Transnet copper cables worth more than R500 000, thereby arresting the suspects,” said Matoti.
Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Hawks, has commended the Highway Patrol team for their vigilance, and the investigating officer for a job well done which culminated in the successful prosecution as well as sentencing of the accused. “Their conviction and sentencing will serve as a deterrent to tempering with essential infrastructure,” said Bokaba.
