Mokwantsi Kwanele Mfuku (26) was sentenced to 15 years in jail by the Welkom Magistrates’ Court for tampering with essential infrastructure.
On 10 September 2021 Eskom employees were busy repairing the overhead copper cables at a house in Thabong. Apparently, the accused cut the copper cables in the neighbourhood where the repairs were implemented.
Residents who were at the scene, managed to give the description of the suspect to members of the police’s Flying Squad assigned to the case.
The information from residents was followed up and a man matching the description was found in a house in Thabong.
The suspect confirmed that he sold the copper to one of the scrap yards in Thabong. The police followed up and a scrap metal dealer was approached. Burnt copper cable was found and seized.
Eskom management pointed out the stolen copper cable, called Airdac cables, was 12 m long with an estimated value of R5 000. The suspect was charged for the tampering of essential infrastructure and theft of copper cable.
The case was assigned to Det. WO Mohapi Mokhoke of the Infrastructure Task Team.
“I would like to applaud residents of Thabong for assisting police members in tracing the suspect, and also members of the Welkom Flying Squad for responding quickly to the crime scene.
“Praises to the investigator, WO Mokhoke, for conducting a thorough investigation which led to this good conviction,” said Brig. Mzondi Mojafi, acting district commissioner of Lejweleputswa.
