Heavy Sentencing for Copper Cable Theft Ring in Edenburg

In a substantial crackdown on infrastructure crime, the Edenburg Regional Court has delivered a decisive blow to copper cable thieves with the sentencing of four individuals to 30 years' direct imprisonment each. On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Thabo Lekhari (37), Morena Mota (30), Lehlohonolo Mokoena (30), and Lebohang Lekometso (30) faced the consequences of their unlawful activities, notably tampering with essential infrastructure and the theft of copper cables.

These perpetrators were caught in the act on June 5, 2023, by the vigilant Trompsburg Highway Patrol while traveling on the N1 road near Trompsburg with their illicit haul headed to Bloemfontein. The vehicle, a VW Golf packed with the stolen copper cables and the tools of their illegal trade—including a spade and ball cutter—led to their undoing.

As the case unfolded, Warrant Officer Krokkie Engelbrecht and Warrant Officer Elizer Mohotsi of the Organised Crime unit took the lead on a thorough investigation. Persistence and detailed sleuthing led them back to a critical point: the Transnet substation in Bethulie, the very site from which the copper was pilfered. The impact of their crime was felt in the substantial damages to infrastructure, totaling R6.5 million, and the theft of copper cables valued at R180,300.

Transnet employees played a pivotal role in assisting the investigation, as they positively identified the cables belonging to the Bethulie substation. With this verification and the evidence gathered by the organized crime team, the court was equipped to deliver a hard-hitting judgment.

Matching the severity of the crime with a corresponding punishment, the sentencing was bifurcated – 15 years for the theft of copper cables and an additional 15 for tampering with essential infrastructure.

This sentence is a testament to South Africa's stringent laws against infrastructure crimes and the nation's unwavering stance on defending its essential services from such malignant activities. The justice system's response sends a clear message to those considering similar crimes that the legal repercussions are severe and life-altering.