Twenty six (26) people were sentenced for theft of Transnet copper cables and damage to essential infrastructure, in a case emanating from the Springfontein area in the Xhariep District.
The suspects were sentenced at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Their case dates back to the 18 July 2021 and 06 October 2021, when cables were stolen on the railway line between Springfontein and Bethulie.
The cables are valued at over twenty nine million (R29 229 299.00).
The Court handed down the following sentences:
Accused 1 was sentenced to 798 years imprisonment to run concurrently, with 33 years imprisonment, effective 18 years imprisonment.
Accused 2: Sentenced to 558 years imprisonment to run concurrently, sentenced to 33 years imprisonment, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8: Each sentenced to 33 years imprisonment, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 4: Sentenced to 738 years imprisonment to run concurrently, sentenced to 33 years imprisonment, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 9: Sentenced to 273 years imprisonment to run concurrently, sentenced to 33 years imprisonment to run concurrently, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 10, 13, 14, 15 and 16: Each sentenced to 63 years imprisonment to run concurrently for 33 years, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 11: Sentenced to 153 years imprisonment to run concurrently, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 12: Convicted on 16 counts (sentence included in overall POCA sentencing);
Accused 17: Sentenced to 31 years imprisonment, effective 16 years imprisonment;
Accused 18: Sentenced to 92 years imprisonment to run concurrently for 32 years, effective 17 years imprisonment;
Accused 19: Sentenced to 213 years imprisonment to run concurrently for 33 years, effective 18 years imprisonment;
Accused 20: Sentenced to 91 years imprisonment to run concurrently for 31 years, effective 16 years imprisonment;
Accused 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25: Each sentenced to 32 years imprisonment, effective 17 years imprisonment;
Accused 26: Sentenced to 123 years imprisonment to run concurrently for 33 years, effective 18 years imprisonment.
Major-General Len Singh, Acting Provincial Commissioner, welcomed the sentencing, commending the dedicated efforts of Warrant Officers Engelbrecht and Mohotsi, the NPA and Transnet for securing this conviction.
“This success demonstrates Free State ProvJOINTS roleplayers and stakeholders unwavering commitment to fighting organised crime and protecting the country’s essential infrastructure” said Singh.
Picture: Supplied