Two sentenced in Scottburgh Regional Court to 15 years for essential infrastructure damage
A 2020 case of stolen tower batteries has ended with two men receiving prison time.
The Scottburgh Regional Court sentenced Optimum Tshuma (34) and Welile Ndlovu (53) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment last week, for damage to essential infrastructure on the South Coast.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, between September 25 and 29, 2020, 10 lithium backup tower batteries were stolen from MTN towers in KwaDumisa and Bomvini.
“Cases were opened at Sawoti and Highflats police stations,” said Mhlongo.
On September 29, 2020, Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information about a suspicious vehicle travelling to Johannesburg.
“An MTN investigator and Villiers Flying Squad were alerted and the vehicle was intercepted at Wilge Toll Plaza. A search uncovered 16 tower batteries valued at about R400 000,” Mhlongo explained.
Optimum, Welile, and Bongani Ndlovu were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. They appeared in court and Bongani was released on bail, while Optimum and Welile were denied bail. All accused were successfully linked to both crime scenes.
Bongani was released on bail, but later absconded. “A warrant of arrest was issued,” said Mhlongo.
In August 2023, Optimum and Welile were sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for possession of stolen property.
Their trial for destroying essential infrastructure continued until they were found guilty and sentenced to 15 years.
The Hawks urge anyone with information on Bongani Ndlovu’s whereabouts to come forward.
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