TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGE AND THEFT OF ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

25 June 2025

TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR DAMAGE AND THEFT OF ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Bloemfontein, Free State – The Bloemfontein Regional Court has convicted and sentenced two accused, Lefa Olifant (31) and Modise Lebuso (30) to an effective 20 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with and theft of essential infrastructure.

The case stems from an incident that occurred during the night of 28 to 29 September 2022, when the security officials apprehended the accused while stealing signal cables from a manhole. Four individuals were arrested at the scene, and the stolen cable, valued at R56,000 was identified as property of Transnet.

The accused were charged with two counts: tampering with essential infrastructure and theft from infrastructure. Although bail was initially opposed by the state, it was ultimately granted. Two of the four accused later absconded, resulting in the separation of trials. The case against Olifant and Lebuso proceeded to trial.

In aggravation of sentence, the prosecutor, Amore Coetzee argued that the crimes were not only an attack on public infrastructure but also an attack on the country’s economy. She emphasised that such offences have far-reaching consequences, including service disruptions and job losses. The prosecutor further called on the court to impose lengthy custodial sentences to send a strong message that the justice system treats infrastructure-related crimes with the seriousness they deserve.

Following a comprehensive trial, both accused were convicted. The court sentenced them to 20 years imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years for theft. The court ordered that the sentence for theft run concurrently with the sentence for tampering, resulting in an effective 20-year imprisonment for each.

This sentence reinforces the NPA’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring accountability for crimes that undermine economic stability and public services. These cases affect service delivery and deprive the community of basic services. The NPA will adopt a focused approach that ensures that after conviction, harsher sentences are imposed and where the kingpins are found, asset forfeiture is brought in.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539