Teen gets five years behind bars for infrastructure tampering
The culprit was caught red-handed and arrested by the crime prevention unit in September last year.
A 19-year-old will spend the next five years behind bars after being found guilty of tampering with municipal infrastructure.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court passed the sentence down on July 30.
Lehlogonolo Bodida Leboho was caught by the crime prevention unit while stripping electricity pipes on the corner of Helen Joseph and Paul Kruger streets on September 20, 2024.
A team under the command of Captain Mogotsi, consisting of Sergeant Dipou Tjiyane and Constable Maswahlisa Phalane, were busy with their daily patrols when they caught the culprit red-handed, and immediately arrested him.
“Vandalism of public infrastructure remains one of the major problems in the inner city, and the police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are working tirelessly to monitor and eliminate such criminal conduct,” said spokesperson Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
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“This verdict comes after careful consideration and evidence presented by the investigating officer, Sergeant Frans Mahlangu, who has been working to ensure that the suspect faces the might of the law,” Nkhumise added.
Pretoria Central SAPS station commander, Brigadier Hlengane Gibin Mashaba, welcomed the verdict and thanked his fellow officers for a job well done and for their adherence to the court’s calls to take a stand and give testimony.
“This will send out a strong message to those who commit such crimes, and the station will be working hard to ensure that the inner city retains its status as a safe and secure environment for all who work and reside in it,” Mashaba said.
To ensure the precinct does not become a haven and a playground for vandalism, the community is urged to report any criminal activities.
Residents can anonymously report to the Crime Stop helpline 08600 10111, dial 112 on any network provider, then follow the prompts or use the MySAPS app or directly call the station at 012 353 4000.
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