The Directory for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) issued a statement on May 3 about the five accused in the railway lines case in Morgenzon.
The Hawks indicated that Phillip Thyse (56), Kashveer Harrilil (27), Mahlomola Johannes Mphasha (45), Sipho Maseko (45) and Mthabine Semid Tsotetsi (53) were remanded in custody by the Morgenzon Magistrate’ s Court on Tuesday, May 3.
They were arrested on Friday, April 29 following information about the stealing of railway lines in Morgenzon.
The Hawks Serious Crime Investigation, based in Secunda, apprehended the gang after receiving a tip-off about the stealing of railway lines.
The suspects were found loading railway lines onto two trucks, a tractor, a front loader and a bakkie.
The estimated damage is R1,5 million.
They are facing charges of damage of infrastructure, theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
Information was received during the court proceedings that some of the stolen railway lines were already delivered in Gauteng.
The team rushed to the identified place and upon arrival, found the railway lines at the scrapyard.
A Transnet investigating officer identified it as the company’s property and the team processed the crime scene.
The case against the five accused was postponed to May 10 for further investigation and possible bail application.
The charges are damaging of infrastructure and possession of stolen property.
