City Power secures 10-year sentence for two accused of infrastructure tampering in Midrand
Isaac Mangena, entity spokesperson, acknowledges the efforts of Detective Sergeant Mandla Masango and the Midrand SAPS for their diligent case management.
City Power commends the successful prosecution of two accused sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure, following a comprehensive investigation by law enforcement.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the case, registered at the Midrand Police Station, was heard in the Alexandra Wynberg Regional Court.
Mangena said the accused, Pitso Motjotjo and Lekgetho Khoatsana, both from Lesotho, were arrested on November 14, 2024.
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“[They] were charged with tampering with essential infrastructure and illegal immigration, offences that compromise public safety and disrupt the reliable delivery of essential services. The court found both suspects guilty of tampering with essential infrastructure. Each was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with three years suspended, and declared unfit to possess firearms for the next five years,” said Mangena.
He said City Power acknowledged the efforts of Detective Sergeant Mandla Masango who led the investigation, and the Midrand SAPS for their diligent case management.
Mangena added this conviction highlighted the city’s zero-tolerance stance against crimes that threatened critical infrastructure.
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“In 2024 alone, City Power secured 12 landmark convictions amid a surge in arrests for cable theft, vandalism, and infrastructure tampering. The previous year, the entity achieved 132 convictions for vandalism and illegal connections, apprehending between five and eight suspects weekly. These achievements underscore the strong partnership between City Power and the SAPS in protecting Johannesburg’s electricity infrastructure”.
Mangena concluded that City Power will continue working closely with law enforcement to combat tampering, theft, and vandalism – threats that pose significant risks to Johannesburg’s power grid and the safety of its residents.
He further urged the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement, or City Power’s dedicated hotline on 0800 033 156.
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