Springs SAPS Detective Sergeant Raymond Mogashoa has been applauded for his investigative work, which led to the conviction of a man accused of stealing a cable worth R103 000 from the Eskom substation at Aston Lake.

The Springs Regional Court sentenced Nkosinathi Ncube (34) to 12 years for tampering with essential infrastructure, five years for bribery and three months for being an illegal immigrant. The sentences will run concurrently.

According to local police spokesperson Sergeant Charity Zwane, the Zimbabwean national was among three suspects wanted in connection with an incident that happened on May 26, 2024.

“During the early hours of the morning of that day, two security officers were on duty at the substation when they were confronted by three unknown men.

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“The suspects allegedly entered the guard room, tied up the security officers, robbed them of their personal belongings and then proceeded to cut and steal cable from the substation valued at approximately R103 000 before fleeing the scene,” Zwane said.

She added that the security officers managed to untie themselves and notify the police.

“Upon arrival at the scene, police noticed footprints which were preserved as part of the investigation. Through a tireless investigation, police managed to identify and arrest Ncube.

“During the investigation, boots found at his place of residence were seized by Mogashoa and subsequently compared with the footprints found at the crime scene, linking the suspect to the crime,” she explained.

Ncube was also accused of attempting to bribe an Eskom investigating officer to influence the investigation.

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