Justice served: Thabazimbi railway vandals sentenced

Thabazimbi – The provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentencing of four individuals by the Thabazimbi Regional Court for tampering with and destroying essential infrastructure. The sentencing, which occurred on Friday 31 May 2024, marks a significant step in combating such crimes.

According to colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the court heard that on 10 May 2023, Chama Nelson (31), Chakaraya Artwell (31), Mathongo Blessing (35), and Marindire Ophius (32) cut off the Transnet Railway line that was connected to Dwaalboom. This malicious act was discovered by a vigilant security guard patrolling the area. The guard noticed suspicious activity near the Swartkip crossing, prompting him to investigate further. He found approximately 500 meters of contact lines (solar copper cables) had been cut off and stolen, amounting to a total cost of R200,000.

The suspects were later arrested in the Brits policing area, where the police found them in possession of suspected stolen copper cables. Subsequently, they were also linked to a case of stolen copper cables in the Northam policing area.

Constable Foster Mabeba of the Essential Infrastructure Task Team Unit was assigned the case for further investigation. During the court trial, the accused were denied bail until the Thabazimbi Regional Court sentenced them as follows:
Count 1: Tampering and destroying essential infrastructure - 30 years direct imprisonment.
Count 2: Theft of ferrous or non-ferrous metals - 15 years direct imprisonment.
Count 3: Failure to use port of entry - 2 years direct imprisonment.
Count 4: Contravention of immigration Act: Entering the Republic of South Africa without passports - 2 years direct imprisonment.

“We appreciate the conviction and sentencing as passed by the court and all the efforts by the arresting team as well the investigating officer,” said the provincial commissioner lieutenant general Hadebe.