KEY POINTS
A 67-year-old pensioner Mthozami Thukwayo from the Eastern Cape has been sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for stealing copper cables and damaging essential infrastructure.
According to the IOL, Thukwayo was convicted by the Molteno Regional Court on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, following his arrest in a joint operation involving the Hawks, South African Police Service (SAPS), and Transnet in February 2022.
The case has drawn attention to the persistent issue of copper theft in South Africa, which has severe consequences for the country’s infrastructure and economy. Thukwayo’s arrest came after a tip-off led authorities to a Toyota single cab bakkie suspected of transporting stolen copper cables in the Molteno area.
“Information received resulted in police immediately conducting a stop-and-search roadblock to intercept the aforesaid motor vehicle,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana. “As the said vehicle approached the roadblock, it was stopped and searched. Upon searching, the joint team recovered meters of copper cables at the back of the vehicle with an estimated value of R110,000.”
Thukwayo, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was arrested on the spot and charged with damage to essential infrastructure and possession of stolen copper cables. He appeared in court the day after his arrest and was remanded in custody.
Despite several attempts to secure bail, Thukwayo was eventually released on R2,000 bail, only to be sentenced to 15 years in prison this week.
Rising cases of copper cables theft
The theft of copper cables is a significant problem in South Africa, often leading to power outages, disrupted communication networks, and costly repairs. Transnet, the state-owned freight rail company, has repeatedly highlighted the impact of such theft on its operations, which are critical to the country’s economy.
“Copper theft is not just a crime against property; it is a crime against the people of South Africa,” said a Transnet representative. “Every meter of stolen cable disrupts essential services and costs the economy millions of rands.”
Thukwayo’s sentencing sends a strong message to those involved in similar crimes. The Hawks have emphasized their commitment to tackling infrastructure-related crimes, which they classify as a national priority.
“This conviction is a testament to the hard work of our multi-disciplinary teams and their dedication to protecting South Africa’s infrastructure,” added Mhlakuvana. “We will continue to pursue those who seek to profit at the expense of the public.”
The case has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the harsh sentence as a necessary deterrent, while others have expressed concern over the socio-economic factors driving individuals, including pensioners, to commit such crimes.
