Court in Brief
The following case was recently finalised in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court:
On April 13, Trevorholt Takudzwa Mandizvidza (20) of Comet was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for tampering, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure.
The charges stem from an incident that happened on May 15, last year:
Count one (tampering, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure): Mandizvidza, tampered, damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure (copper cable) in Railway Street, Plantation, which was used to supply power to trains.
Count two (theft): He stole copper cable to the value of about R7 550 from Prasa.
Count three (malicious injury to property): Mandizvidza damaged copper cable used
to supply power to the trains.
Count four (possession of carbreaking/housebreaking implements): He was found in possession of a pliers and side cutter.
The charges in counts two, three and four were withdrawn.
He pleaded guilty to count one, was found guilty and sentenced on April 13.
In his plea statement, Mandizvidza said: “During the above mentioned period I was residing at Comet Squatter Camp, where I was renting a shack with my girlfriend.
“On that day at around 16:00, I left my place of residence to Boksburg train station.
“I had the instruments mentioned above in my possession.
“I was walking on foot, entered the railway line, and I used a pliers and side cutter to cut a piece of copper cable at the mass pole of the railway line.
“After I had finished cutting the one piece of copper I put it down on the ground.”
Magistrate Shilubana presided and prosecutor Mooiman represented the State in this matter.
Also Read: Court in Brief
Also Read: Court in Brief
