Two accused sentenced to eight years imprisonment each for tampering with essential infrastructure in Lephalale
Date Published
2026/05/12
Details

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

 

POLOKWANE - The Lephalale Regional Court has sentenced two accused, Edward Maluleka (32) and Ally Chauke (29), to eight years direct imprisonment each for tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure.

The conviction and sentencing were handed down on Monday, 11 May 2026.

The court heard that on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, at about 00:07, a security officer who was on patrol duty at Lephalale Clinic in Ellis Street noticed two African males digging up copper cables next to the traffic lights at Rupert Street.

The security officer immediately alerted the police, who responded swiftly and arrested both suspects at the scene.

The matter was assigned to Investigating Officer Sergeant Seeta Segola of SAPS Waterberg District Economic Infrastructure Task Team.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the conviction and sentencing, saying it demonstrates the justice system’s commitment to protecting essential infrastructure and combating infrastructure-related crimes which negatively affect communities and service delivery.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za