THREE MEN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
30 October 2025
THREE MEN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGING ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the 15-year sentences handed down to Letlhogonolo Selaledi (34), Thabang Kgalapa (33), and Kenneth Chauke (34) by the Taung Regional Court. The trio was convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure, and each received 15 years of direct imprisonment.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 12 May 2024 in Pudimoe Location, where police received information that three men were digging up copper cables near the Pudimoe Police Station. Acting swiftly, the officers proceeded to the scene and found the accused removing copper cables and loading them onto a truck. The stolen cables were valued at R151 778.28. When questioned, the men claimed they had been contracted by Openserve. However, upon verification, the company’s Area Manager confirmed that no such contract existed between Openserve and the accused. The men were immediately arrested on the scene. During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty to the charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.
The State, represented by Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa, led evidence from the Openserve Area Manager, who refuted any employment or contractual relationship with the accused. In aggravation of sentence, Mokgopa emphasised the seriousness of the offence and its broader impact on society, highlighting that the destruction and tampering of infrastructure disrupt essential services such as electricity supply, contributing to challenges like load-shedding. In delivering judgment, Magistrate Buti Zulu concurred with the State, describing the accused’s actions as selfish and detrimental to the residents of Pudimoe. He subsequently imposed a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the three men.
Welcoming the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Mokgopa, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders for their dedication 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