THREE MEN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
31 October 2025
THREE MEN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Bafokeng, North West: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences of ten (10) years’ imprisonment each imposed on Amohelang Masuane (28) and Kori Rantabane (52), both Lesotho nationals, and Clement Stuurman (53), by the Bafokeng Regional Court. In addition, Masuane and Rantabane were each sentenced to a further six (6) months’ imprisonment for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The sentences will run consecutively. Judgment was delivered on 30 October 2025.
The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on 28 September 2024, at Chaneng Village near Rustenburg, where the accused tampered with Transnet’s railway infrastructure. The trio threw a wire over a live railway line used by locomotives transporting coal, platinum, and chrome from Rustenburg and Thabazimbi to Richards Bay. They then attempted to pull down and cut the copper cable using bolt cutters.
Acting on a tip-off, Transnet security officers were on high alert and apprehended the suspects around 22:00 while they were committing the offence. The police were called to the scene, and the accused were arrested and denied bail.
During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty. In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli highlighted the prevalence of copper cable theft in the province and its contribution to the ongoing energy crisis. The court also considered a Victim Impact Statement from the Transnet Depot Manager, which outlined the significant financial losses incurred in repairing damaged infrastructure and the broader economic impact of such crimes.
In delivering judgment, the court emphasised the seriousness of tampering with essential infrastructure and the need for deterrent sentences to protect public assets and services. The court further ordered that Masuane and Rantabane be deported to Lesotho upon completion of their sentences and declared all three accused unfit to possess a firearm.
Welcoming the outcome, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Mpayipheli, the investigating officer Constable Reneilwe Phalatse, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Dr Makhari expressed confidence that this sentence sends a clear message that tampering with essential infrastructure will not be tolerated.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367