MAN SENTENCED TO 34 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DISRUPTING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
19 SEPTEMBER 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 34 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DISRUPTING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Limpopo, South Africa – The Musina Regional Court has sentenced Zimbabwean national, Zakhele Hadebe (51), to 34 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure, theft of non-ferrous metal forming part of essential infrastructure, contravention of the Immigration Act, and trespassing.
On 11 May 2023, at Maremani Nature Reserve, Hadebe and an accomplice vandalised a private electrical installation by opening a transformer and digging up several metres of underground cable. The electricity supply was critical for pumping water to both wildlife and residents in the reserve. While the accomplice managed to escape, Hadebe was arrested on site after being traced through their escape route. During the trial, the accused admitted to being an illegal immigrant and to trespassing but denied the other charges.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Jan Krijt argued that infrastructure crimes of this nature are rampant across the country and particularly devastate farmers and rural communities who are left without basic services. He emphasised that there were no substantial or compelling reasons for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the outcome.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga stated: “Crimes that target essential infrastructure directly affect service delivery and deprive communities of basic services. The NPA will continue to adopt a focused approach to ensure that, upon conviction, harsher sentences are imposed.” She also commended the excellent work of Prosecutor Krijt and investigating officers Sergeant Rambuwani and Sergeant Mukhali of Musina Police Station. Ends
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
074 823 3608