TRIO SENTENCED FOR COPPER CABLE THEFT

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By:Neo Ntsele

Phumlani Mgezi, Lunga Mazwi and Lebohang Mahapa, were sentenced by the Koppies Regional Court on Thursday,19 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. 

During October 2022, the Kroonstad SAPS Highway Patrol members were conducting their normal patrol duties when they spotted a white Totota Quantum with five occupants.

They searched the vehicle and discovered Transnet copper cables worth more than R500 000.

Five suspects were arrested on the spot. 

They have been kept in custody since their arrest.  

Mgezi, Mazwi and Mahapa were sentenced in terms of Section 276 1 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Act to four years direct imprisonment. 

The Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba commended the Highway Patrol team for their vigilance, investigating officer for a job well done and the prosecutor who was seized with matter for ensuring that there’s conviction.

She believes that the conviction and sentencing will serve as a deterrent to tempering with infrastructure.