Hefty sentence for copper thief
Detective Constable Vusani Shange is applauded for his thorough investigation in the case.
Simphiwe ‘Geneza’ Cele (35) was sentenced to six years imprisonment for the theft of copper and electric cables at Jenkins Street in Margate in October 2022.
It is hoped that the sentence handed down in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court last month will serve as a deterrent to other criminals who tamper or destroy essential infrastructure by stealing copper or electric cables.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Sibu Ncane said a thorough investigation by Detective Constable Vusani Shange of Margate Detective Services ensured an appropriate sentence was meted out by the court.
He remained in police custody throughout his trial.
Station Commander Brigadier William Slabbert welcomed the sentence which serves as a deterrent, as well as a precedent for other such cases involving theft of copper and electric cables.
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