Courts fed up: Cut cables, go to jail!
South African courts aren't pussy-footing around essential infrastructure damage any more.
The Belfast Magistrates Court handed down harsh sentences to three men, who will be deported after they served their 15-year sentences for their efforts in stealing overhead Trasnet cables on 15 October 2021.
Thembinkosi Robert Zwane (36), Saneliso Lucky Shabalala (28) and Musa Twice Mabuza (37), were arrested shortly after the cables were cut.
Zwane received an additional 18-month sentence for the contravention of the Immigration Act, while Shabalala and Mabuza were sentenced to an additional 12-months for being in South Africa illegally.
The arrests were effected by the Middelburg Hawks Serious Organized Crime Unit.
Zwane, Shabalala and Mabuza were caught red-handed on the scene alongside a fourth accused who will appear again in court on December 5.
His identity has not been released.
All four were remanded in custody after bail was denied during initial court appearances.
A forensic sweep of the scene where the cables were cut, positively linked all four accused to the crime.
The fourth accused is expected to be sentenced at his next court appearance.
