Man Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment for Damaging Essential Infrastructure

01 April 2025

Man Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment for Damaging Essential Infrastructure

The Nelspruit Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Bonginkosi Mdaka (23) to twelve years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure.

On 15 June 2023, two security officers patrolling the N4 road spotted Mdaka ripping cable wires from a streetlight pole near Ilanga Mall in Nelspruit. Upon realizing he had been seen, Mdaka attempted to flee, but the officers pursued and apprehended him. He was found in possession of a plastic bag containing cable wires and a circuit breaker. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

During the trial, Mdaka pleaded not guilty, denying all allegations. However, State Prosecutor John Mahlwele led compelling evidence, including testimony from the two security officers who detailed the pursuit and arrest. Their accounts were corroborated by a municipal employee who confirmed that the stolen cables and circuit breaker belonged to the municipality. The employee also visited the crime scene and verified that the infrastructure had been removed.

The court found the testimony of the state witnesses to be credible and reliable, rejecting Mdaka’s defense. In his argument for sentencing, Prosecutor Mahlwele emphasized the seriousness and prevalence of such crimes and the significant impact they have on public services. The court considered the severity of the offense, the interests of justice, and Mdaka’s circumstances before sentencing him to twelve years of direct imprisonment.

Crimes of this nature negatively affect service delivery and deprive communities of essential services. As a result, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to ensuring that harsh sentences are imposed on offenders who sabotage public infrastructure.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Mpumalanga Division
Tel: 013 046 0626
Cell: 076 485 5446
Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za