A 36-year-old man is facing ten years behind bars for the theft and damage of Telkom copper cables.
The incident took place in the Mpambanyoni Bridge area in Scottburgh.
The Scottburgh Regional Court sentenced Bonga Mzonjani Gumede to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after he was confronted by security officers as he was cutting and removing Telkom copper cables from a manhole. Gumede fled the scene but was apprehended by the Police’s K9 unit – with the cables still in his possession. The value of his loot was estimated to be R137 000.
He pleaded guilty to charges that relate to the tampering with, damaging, or destruction of essential infrastructure. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gumede allegedly did not act alone but had accomplices. Following his guilty plea, his matter was separated from that of the alleged co-accused. The alleged co-accused are expected to return to court on 12 March.
The NPA said that it hopes that such sentences will deter others from damaging infrastructure. Such tampering with or destruction of essential infrastructure is a serious offence, as it affects many people with widespread disruption of services to communities and businesses.
- In a similar case, lengthy prison sentences have been imposed on criminals who targeted critical infrastructure in the Free State. Read more here.
