Two men sentenced for Wadeville substation theft and infrastructure damage

The dedicated work of Elsburg SAPS Detective Seagent Innocent Khatle has resulted in two men being sentenced to a combined 30 years.

The two, Sbabalo Peters and Mzwakhe Johan, were sentenced to prison for damaging essential public infrastructure and theft.

Each accused was sentenced to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment following their conviction in the Germiston Regional Court.

ALSO READ: Man sentenced to 15 years for rape and robbery in Alberton by Germiston courts

The pair was arrested in December 2024 after allegedly breaking into an electrical substation in Wadeville.

Their attempt to steal infrastructure was foiled when the station’s alarm system was activated, prompting a rapid response from security companies and police that led to their arrest at the scene.

Detective Khatle took over the investigation and successfully opposed their bail application in court.
He argued that the offences were serious and that both accused posed a flight risk as they had no fixed residential addresses.

Investigations revealed that they were living at the abandoned Wadeville train station.

Further investigations also showed that both men had previously appeared in court on minor theft-related charges, although those matters had not resulted in convictions.

ALSO READ: Meet the Germiston officer securing life sentences for rapists

The investigation was completed in January 2025, but the case took longer to conclude because of the court process.

Speaking after the sentencing, Khatle said the abandoned Wadeville train station had become a hotspot for crime after it was vandalised during the Covid-19 period and ceased operating around 2021.

“Many homeless people occupied the station after it was abandoned. We made numerous arrests there involving suspects linked to cable theft and the vandalism of electrical substations,” he said.

Khatle welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a clear warning to criminals targeting essential infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Life sentence for 63-year-old in granddaughter rape case

“The finalisation of this case sends a strong message to the community and perpetrators that the law will have the final say.”

“I am pleased that the courts are imposing maximum sentences for these crimes because the damage to essential infrastructure is costing the country millions of rand and has a devastating impact on communities.”

Each accused received 10 years’ imprisonment for damaging essential infrastructure and five years for theft. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for each offender.

The two men remained in custody at Boksburg Correctional Centre throughout their trial and will continue serving their sentences there.

Khatle added that another accused linked to a similar matter is still appearing before the courts.
“We remain confident that the ongoing case will also produce a positive outcome,” said Khatle.