Three years for copper theft

Copper thieves who were caught redhanded sentenced.

Recovered cable and tools used by the accused. Photo: Leseho Manala

Two men convicted of copper theft were each sentenced to three years imprisonment at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Renier Boshoff sentenced John Chauke (46) and Nelson Sithole (18) for the offence which occurred in Midrand last year. Police informed of men digging along a road at night, found and arrested them. State prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri said they had already dug out and cut about 3 metres of the wire using a pick, spade, hacksaw and a wrench spanner. They apologised in court for the offence which had blackened out the affected area for some time.

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