MOZAMBICAN MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
15 July 2025
MOZAMBICAN MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Tlhabane, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the Tlhabane Regional Court to John Paipai Sithole (54), a Mozambican national, who has been sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure, and an additional year for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The conviction arises from an incident that occurred on 12 February 2025, when Sithole was found inside the Impala Bafokeng Mine premises in Rustenburg. During routine patrols, mine security personnel spotted Sithole in possession of copper cables, which were later confirmed to have been stolen from the mine. He was unable to account for the copper and was immediately arrested. Bail was denied, and he remained in custody throughout the trial.
Investigations led by Warrant Officer Mosadiemang Matshego revealed that the stolen copper cables were valued at over R30,000. Sithole pleaded not guilty. However, during the trial, the mine engineer testified about the serious impact of copper cable theft, including disruptions to mining operations and financial losses. In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli highlighted the prevalence of cable theft in mining areas, stating that it leads to reduced production, costly repairs, and ultimately job losses or retrenchments. The NPA successfully secured a total 16-year direct imprisonment sentence, reflecting the seriousness of crimes that target critical infrastructure and economic stability.
Welcoming the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders for their efforts in securing the conviction. “The NPA remains committed to combating crime and upholding the rule of law. We hope this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent and help safeguard essential infrastructure that is vital to community livelihoods,” said Dr Makhari.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367