15-YEAR SENTENCE FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

27 October 2025

15-YEAR SENTENCE FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Chrispen Chikwera (49) to 15 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure, an offence committed on 24 July 2024. In the early hours of the morning, around 01:00, a Beagle Watch security officer responded to an alarm in Greenside, Johannesburg. Upon arrival, he knocked at the property’s gate but received no response. He then noticed a bolt cutter and other tools lying beneath a tree next to a City Power electrical pole. A closer inspection revealed that electrical cables were loose, and clamps had been removed from the pole.

While searching the area, the officer spotted the accused hiding in the tree. He apprehended Chikwera and immediately contacted the police. Sergeant Maluleke from SAPS Parkview arrived shortly thereafter, collected the exhibits, and arrested the accused on reasonable suspicion of tampering with essential infrastructure. During court proceedings, the accused pleaded not guilty. After the State led its evidence, the defence applied for a discharge in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which the State successfully opposed. The Court subsequently dismissed the application.

Regional Court Prosecutor Adolphus Mukwevho argued for the maximum penalty prescribed for a first-time offender. The Court agreed with the State that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence and consequently imposed the statutory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment.

This conviction demonstrates the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding public infrastructure. The NPA commends the security company for its alertness and commitment to preventing infrastructure-related crimes.

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Johannesburg

011 220 4045 / 083 402 4787