The men were arrested on 6 June while attempting to steal a circuit breaker at the Peter Swartz substation in Bloemfontein. Repairs and the replacement of stolen equipment amounted to R10,732.

They were charged with tampering with and stealing valuable infrastructure. After being found guilty on both counts, they were sentenced on Monday (10/2) in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court to five years imprisonment, with the sentences running concurrently.

“As Centlec, we welcome the conviction and the sentences handed down by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court,” said spokesperson Lele Mamatu. “These rulings highlight the seriousness of crimes targeting critical infrastructure and should serve as a warning to those engaging in such illegal activities.”

He stressed the ongoing challenges Centlec faced in Mangaung due to vandalism and infrastructure theft. He reminded the public tampering with infrastructure – such as electricity theft and the vandalism of power lines and cables – is a serious crime with penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment.

Tampering with critical infrastructure, including streetlights and network cables, leads to service disruptions such as power outages, causing frustration for residents and significant financial losses for the power utility.

Mamatu urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact Centlec on 051 412 2239.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg