Scottburgh court jails infrastructure vandal to 10 years
The man cut and removed copper cables in the Mpambanyoni bridge area in 2023.
The Scottburgh Regional Court is sending a strong message to vandals after handing down a 10-year sentence to an infrastructure vandal.
Bonga Mzonjani Gumede (36) pleaded guilty in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, to contravening Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, which relates to the tampering with, damaging, or destruction of essential infrastructure.
The offence was committed in the Mpambanyoni bridge area in Scottburgh on November 24, 2023.
On the day in question, Gumede was confronted by security personnel while he was cutting and removing Telkom copper cables from a manhole.
According to court findings, he fled the scene in a vehicle and was pursued by members of the Saps K9 Unit, working in conjunction with the security personnel.
He was eventually arrested while in possession of the cables.
The value of the damages and copper cables was approximately R137 000.
State Prosecutor Harry du Plessis submitted a report compiled by a Telkom employee who is an expert in identifying Telkom property and assessing related damages.
“Gumede allegedly committed these offences with other accused persons,” explained Natasha Ramkisson, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson – KZN.
“Following his guilty plea, his matter was separated from that of the alleged co-accused.”
The alleged co-accused are expected to return to court on March 12 (Thursday).
The NPA hopes that sentences of this nature will serve as a deterrent to like-minded individuals.
“The tampering with or destruction of essential infrastructure is a serious offence, as it often results in widespread disruption of services to communities and businesses,” added Ramkisson.
Gumede was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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