Two locked up, two abscond after damaging essential infrastructure in Tshwane
The SAPS has since issued a warrant of arrest against two other accused, who failed to appear before court.
Two men have been sentenced to 15 years in prison after they were found guilty of malicious damage to essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property in the Tshwane metro.
This as four men were arrested in November 2018, after they were found red-handed, cutting a copper cable belonging to Eskom at Ystervarkfontein in Welbekend, Tshwane.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said Anye Valentine Nkwenti was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment and Happy Dube was sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment.
“An arrest warrant has been issued against two other accused, Victor Ncube and Ian Chitova, who failed to appear in court after they were released on bail.”
The two on the run were due to appear at the Bronkhorstspruit Regional Court, but absconded after being released by police after making bail in November 2018.
Masondo said the police had since launched a manhunt for the two suspects who failed to appear before the court.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of these suspects to please call the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Selopane.”
Detective Selopane can be contacted on 076 493 6080 or 083 436 2819.
Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela has welcomed the successful conviction and sentencing of the two men who were arrested for stealing copper cables belonging to Eskom.
“I am pleased with the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused as this will send a strong message to those who continue to cause damage to our essential infrastructure.”
He said the SAPS remains committed to fighting copper cable theft and protecting essential infrastructure in the Gauteng province.
“I am warning those who are still involved in these criminal acts – it is just a matter of time before you are also behind bars,” said Mawela.
ALSO READ: Stolen goods worth over R1-million recovered in Welbekend
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