By Mpho Moloi
Limpopo, South Africa – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed her satisfaction with the sentencing of four individuals by the Thabazimbi Regional Court. The court’s decision to impose stringent penalties marks a significant step in the fight against the deliberate sabotage of essential infrastructure.
The accused, Nelson Chama (31), Artwell Chakaraya (31), Blessing Mathongo (35), and Ophius Marindire (32), faced the court following their apprehension for tampering with and destroying vital infrastructure. They received their sentences on Friday, 31st May, highlighting the severity of their crimes and the justice system’s firm stance on such offences.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on the night of 10th May 2023, around 23:20, when the four men cut off the Transnet Railway line connected to Dwaalboom. The audacious act was uncovered by a vigilant security guard on patrol near the Swartkip crossing. His suspicions were aroused by unusual activity in the area. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that approximately 500 meters of solar copper cables, worth R200,000, had been severed and stolen. Authorities were promptly summoned to the scene, leading to the initiation of a case of tampering and destroying essential infrastructure.
Swift Police Action
In a commendable show of efficiency, the SAPS swiftly tracked down and arrested the suspects in the Brits policing area the very next day. The four were found in possession of what was believed to be the stolen copper cables, linking them to the crime. Their arrest was a crucial breakthrough, thanks to the diligent efforts of the officers involved, particularly Constable Foster Mabeba of the Essential Infrastructure Task Team Unit.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The trial, marked by its gravity, saw the four accused being denied bail throughout the judicial process. On Friday, 31st May, the Thabazimbi Regional Court handed down the following sentences:
- Count 1: Tampering and destroying essential infrastructure – 30 years direct imprisonment.
- Count 2: Theft of ferrous or non-ferrous metals – 15 years direct imprisonment.
- Count 3: Failure to use port of entry – two years direct imprisonment.
- Count 4: Contravention of Immigration Act: Entering the Republic of South Africa without passports – two years direct imprisonment.
Commissioner’s Statement
Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the court’s decision, underscoring the importance of the conviction in deterring similar offences. “We appreciate the conviction and sentencing as passed by the court and all the efforts by the arresting team as well as the investigating officer,” she said
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