Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Free State

FREE STATE - In a significant victory against organized crime and infrastructure vandalism, police in the Xhariep District have secured convictions against 26 suspects involved in the widespread theft of Transnet copper cables and essential infrastructure tampering. The incidents, which occurred between Springfontein and Bethulie from 18 July 2021, to 6 October 2021, resulted in a staggering loss of over R29 million.

Through meticulous investigation led by Warrant Officers Krokkie Engelbrecht and Eliazer Mohotsi from Provincial Organised crime unit, working in close collaboration with Transnet and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), all 26 suspects were charged and subsequently found guilty by the Free State High Court on a range of serious charges:

 * POCA Act Section 9 (2) (a) – Informal Gang Related Activities: All 26 accused were found guilty of involvement in informal gang-related activities, highlighting the organized nature of these crimes.

 * Tampering/Damage to Essential Infrastructure: The total damage inflicted on essential infrastructure amounted to R22 261 886-00.

- Theft of Transnet Copper Cables: The value of stolen copper cables totaled R6 967 413-00.

The accused:
1. William Sithole (41)
2. Alfred Dlamini (53)
3. Giveness Simangwe (29)
4. Timothy Masocha (41)
5. Issa Chingowe (41)
6. Maxwel Chingowe (32)
7. Ernest Malati (25)
8. Bongani Chabalala (33)
9. Harmfree Zvevhu (31)
10. Thabonashe Mlambo (29)
11. Farai Dube (29)
12. Louis Chivo (32)
13. Munyaradzi Shava (25)
14. Gibson Makumire (33)
15. Ian Kudzai (36)
16. Oncemore Marume (24)
17. Silas Ngwenya (30)
18. Shadrack Khoza (27)
19. Arcido Anibal Nhangumbe (34)
20. Sinethemba Deme (30)
21. Obey Mashaba (29)
22. Tenash Obeleng (23)
23. Edmond Dube (24)
24. Tafatso Masia (31)
25. Thomas Mashaba (36)
26. Anton Duvhawa (41)

The court found the accused guilty on various counts of tampering and theft:
*- Accused 1:* 28 counts of tampering and 28 counts of theft.
*- Accused 2:* 20 counts of tampering and 20 counts of theft.
*- Accused 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25:* 1 count of tampering and 1 count of theft each.
- Accused 4: 26 counts of tampering and 26 counts of theft.
*- Accused 9:* 9 counts of tampering and 9 counts of theft.
*- Accused 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17:* 2 counts of tampering and 2 counts of theft each.
*- Accused 11:* 5 counts of tampering and 5 counts of theft.
*- Accused 12:* 16 counts of tampering and 16 counts of theft.
*- Accused 18, 20:* 3 counts of tampering and 3 counts of theft each.
*- Accused 19:* 7 counts of tampering and 7 counts of theft.
*- Accused 26:* 4 counts of tampering and 4 counts of theft.

The sentencing proceedings for all 26 accused are scheduled to commence on 29 September 2025, and will conclude on 3 October 2025. All convicted individuals remain in custody.
End

Enquiries:
Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli
082 527 6634

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