Former security officer sentenced to 15 years for infrastructure damage
A Transnet investigator, acting on a tip-off, witnessed Dlamini and another individual loading cables into an Isidingo vehicle.
ERMELO – The Ermelo Regional Court sentenced Goodwill Zwelethini Dlamini (39), a former security officer, to 15 years’ imprisonment on January 28 for damaging essential Transnet infrastructure and stealing ferrous and non-ferrous metal.
Dlamini, who was employed by Isidingo Security, a company contracted by Transnet, was apprehended at the Websrust Substation on the Davel railway line on August 21, 2021.
A Transnet investigator, acting on a tip-off, witnessed Dlamini and another individual loading cables into an Isidingo vehicle.
He followed them to Dlamini’s residence, where he saw them offloading the stolen cables.
After calling for backup, the investigator requested permission to search the premises, which revealed cables matching Transnet’s description hidden under a bed, leading to Dlamini’s arrest at his house.
During the trial, Dlamini pleaded not guilty, attempting to shift the blame onto a colleague.
However, the State, led by regional court prosecutor Chané Rothman, presented compelling eyewitness testimony confirming Dlamini’s involvement in transporting the stolen cables.
“In aggravation of sentence, the State highlighted that the accused, hired to safeguard Transnet’s property, betrayed this trust and stole from his employer. Additionally, the prosecution argued about the prevalence of such offences in the Ermelo district and the financial losses experienced by Transnet,” said Monica Nyuswa, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) regional spokesperson.
The NPA has vowed to take a firm stance against such crimes and pursue harsher sentences for those convicted of damaging essential infrastructure.
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
