The men were arrested on June 30, at a scrap metal dealer in Fairleads.
A total of 18 covers were recovered at an illegal scrap metal dealer, Cash for Scrap, at the corner of Springs and Pretoria roads.
The men were sentenced in the Benoni Magistrates Court on July 22, to 12 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
They admitted guilt on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Four other men suspected of manhole cover theft, who are between 19 and 26 years of age, are out on bail and will appear in the Benoni Magistrates Court on August 21.
They were arrested on June 26, at a scrap metal dealer on Zesfontein Road.
Crystal Park SAPS acting media liaison officer Tryna Maritz said, at the time of the arrest, that the suspects admitted to stealing one cover in Northmead and another two in Crystal Park.
Stealing manhole covers is the same as stealing copper cable= SABOTAGE OF STATE PROPERTY. They should receive at least 30 years.