LESOTHO NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

on 5th Sep 2025

05 September 2025

LESOTHO NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Bafokeng, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment handed down by the Bafokeng Regional Court to Malopi Stephen Shakane (44), a Lesotho national, for tampering with essential infrastructure. He was further sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

The sentences will run concurrently. The conviction stems from an incident on 29 October 2024 at Impala Mine shaft six. While on patrol, security guards caught Shakane digging a hole in an attempt to access copper cables at the railway and mine shaft. Backup was called, and he was apprehended at the scene. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the copper cables had been left exposed. Police were called, and Shakane was arrested the same day. Shakane pleaded not guilty to both charges.

In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Sangweni Zimema argued that had Shakane not been apprehended, his actions could have disrupted mining operations and the railway line, negatively impacting production. The court noted the prevalence of infrastructure-related crimes in Rustenburg, emphasising the seriousness of the offence. It also ordered that Shakane be deported to Lesotho upon completion of his sentence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the efforts of Prosecutor Zimema and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. The NPA remains committed to protecting essential infrastructure, combating crime, and upholding the rule of law. This sentence sends a strong message that such offences will not be tolerated and serves as a deterrent to others.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya

Communications Officer 

North West Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za

Cell: 078 172 9367

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