FREE STATE – Two accused, Johannes Phepeng (46) and Hartlife Mharadzi (36) were found guilty and sentenced by Sasolburg Regional Court on charges of theft of copper cable,on Thursday, 01 December 2022.

Their conviction emanates from the incident that occurred on the 25 December 2021, where police from K9 Unit in Sasolburg were conducting patrol duties, when they noticed a suspicious white Hyundai H100 with registration number JL90CMGP with three occupants. They stopped the vehicle and searched it wherein Transnet copper cable to the value of R150 000-00 was found.

The suspects were then arrested and the case was handed over to the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Sasolburg for further investigation.

The two accused were sentenced to pay a fine of R30 000-00 or to undergo five years imprisonment. Both the accused were declared unfit to possess the firearms.

Source: South African Police Service