By Six criminals who were found guilty by the Bloemfontein High Court on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, for theft and damage to essential infrastructure were each sentenced 15 years in prison.
According to CENTLEC, the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Dewetsdorp have been on a manhunt for the seven suspects who, on 30 October 2021, were reported to the police that two transformer poles have been cut off and copper cable stolen at the local wastewater treatment plant.
The police then launched an immediate manhunt, however, the suspects managed to evade the arrest. A case of damage to essential infrastructure and theft was subsequently opened for investigation.
Few days later, On 27th of November 2021, the same transformer was, again, targeted by the suspected criminals, resulting in theft of copper cable, disruptions to water provision services and damages amounting to R210 000. Seven suspects were apprehended and five of them were found to have been in the country illegally.
“All the accused appeared before the Bloemfontein High Court facing three charges relating to damage to essential infrastructure, theft and being in the country illegal. The case was later on transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
The six (6) suspects, Moleleki Lebusho (22), Thabang Molelu (28), Ramokoatsi Raleting (18), Tshweute Raleting (27), Mokotla Raleting (29), and Thabo Mokhethi (25) were found guilty as charged except one (1) suspect who was acquitted during the trial.
On the 19th of November 2024, the Bloemfontein High Court handed each offender a 15-year sentence for damage to essential infrastructure, another 15 years for theft, and an additional two-month sentence for illegal immigration,” said Mr Lele Mamatu, said the Spokesperson for CENTLEC.
“We are pleased with the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused. We hope that the sentence meted out by the Bloemfontein High Court will send out a strong message to those who continue to damage essential infrastructure. We would also like to thank our Investigation officer from the CENTLEC Security Services Mr. Sikade, the SAPS and the prosecution team for the job well done,” continued Mamatu.
Mamatu urges the community of Mangaung Metro to continue to report any suspicious criminal behavior to the nearest police station or to CENTLEC fraud hot line at (051) 412 2239 or WhatsApp: 069 726 0827 or email fraudandcorruption@centlec.co.za.
