TWO LESOTHO NATIONALS SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS AND SIX MONTHS FOR IMPALA MINE COPPER THEFT
06 November 2025
TWO LESOTHO NATIONALS SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS AND SIX MONTHS FOR IMPALA MINE COPPER THEFT
Bafokeng, North West: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences handed down by the Bafokeng Regional Court to Bokang Molapisi (46) and Josias Mokgatja (35), both Lesotho nationals. The two men were sentenced to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for the theft of copper cables and an additional six months for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. They were further declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court ordered that they be deported to Lesotho after serving their sentences.
Investigations led by Warrant Officer Petros Matshego revealed that on 14 April 2025, a group of five men went to Impala Mine near Rustenburg to steal copper cables. They were apprehended by mine security officers on patrol, who summoned the police, leading to the arrest of all five suspects. Subsequently, three of the accused, all South African nationals, were granted bail but have since absconded and remain fugitives. During the trial, the two Lesotho nationals pleaded guilty to both charges.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli submitted a Victim Impact Statement by the mine’s engineer, detailing the financial and operational impact of copper theft. The engineer stated that the stolen cables, valued at R57 418.96, were used to supply lighting, power CCTV cameras, and operate the cage transporting employees underground. In delivering judgment, Magistrate Tabeah Matshabe noted that while both men were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty, the court could not ignore the seriousness and prevalence of copper theft, which undermines the economy and disrupts essential services.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the work of Prosecutor Mpayipheli, Warrant Officer Matshego, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. She reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to working tirelessly with law enforcement partners to ensure that perpetrators of copper theft face the full might of the law, as such crimes threaten the country’s economic stability.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367