By 
CENTLEC has welcomed the arrest of a male suspect who was caught in the act of cutting electricity cable in Hamilton, Bloemfontein, last week Thursday, 17 July 2025.
According to the Acting Spokesperson for the utility in a statement Mr Tseliso Leba, a direct call came through CENTLECs’ Security Control Room alleging that one African male person has been spotted tampering with electrical infrastructure in one of the residential areas in Bloemfontein.
Leba says security personnel were then dispatched to go and investigate. Upon arrival, they found the suspect, Mr. Ntenela Joel Fetha, cutting electricity cable at number 18A Hartley Street, Hamilton in Bloemfontein.
The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and charged with tampering of essential infrastructure, which falls under schedule 6 in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act no 18 of 2015.
Fetha made his first appearance before the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Monday, 21 July 2025; he will again appear in court on Thursday for his bail application.
“The electricity disruption caused by Fethas’ actions negatively impacted on the nearby residences, businesses and industrial companies. It is our believe that the arrest of the perpetrator will serve as deterrent and send a clear message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated,”
The Mangaung community is encouraged to actively participate in combating theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure by reporting any related incidents to the local police station; alternatively they can contact CENTLEC at (051) 412 2239 or WhatsApp: 069 726 0827 or email fraudandcorruption@centlec.co.za.” said Tseliso Leba.
