30-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
13 AUGUST 2025
30-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The Booysens Magistrates’ Court convicted and sentenced Mxolisi Ntshulayilo (30) to 15 years imprisonment for tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure and an additional 10 years for the theft of copper cables belonging to Telkom on 03 December 2024.
On the day of the incident, Captain Botha of the South African Police Services, Johannesburg K9 Unit, was patrolling Tyger Moth Street in Aeroton when he saw the accused emerging from a manhole near an Open Serve box. The man was carrying a sack and a bag. Upon searching the suspect, Captain Botha discovered rolls of copper cables and a cable jointer in the sack. A check of the manhole revealed that cables had been cut. The accused was subsequently arrested and charged.
The State presented its case in Court, where Regional Court Prosecutor Ronnie Nomcebo Xulu stated that the accused had been convicted of a serious and prevalent offence affecting the entire country. She highlighted that the accused’s actions disrupted communication services in an industrial area, resulting in business losses. The State also called a Telkom official to testify, who confirmed that the damage caused required repairs costing around R100 000.
The Magistrate condemned the accused’s actions, highlighting that tampering with essential infrastructure is a national crisis with far-reaching consequences. Disruptions to communication services impact businesses and hinder critical services such as hospitals and courts.
The NPA remains committed to ensuring that those who damage essential infrastructure face harsh consequences, as such crimes threaten economic stability and vital public services.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245