No electricity? Thank these gentlemen

POTCHEFSTROOM – Six accused arrested during a crime intelligence led operation were remanded in custody upon appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 30 May 2025, for possession of suspected stolen goods (copper cables).

The accused: Aslam Pillay Govender,  Lebeko Mathinyane (29), Shadrack Makansela (31), Tshenolo Taje (31), Shadrack Tshetlhe (51 ) and Tebello Chaole (34) were remanded in custody until their next appearance on  Friday, 05 June 2025.

Out of the six accused; Lebeko Matinyane and Tebello Chaole are undocumented foreign nationals and facing charges of contravening section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The suspects are expected to face more serious charges of damage to Essential Infrastructure, that is in addition to being illegal in the country.

It was further established that Aslam Pillay Gavender has an outstanding warrant of arrest issued in KwaZulu-Natal for a theft case dating back to 2019.

The accused were apprehended by Potchefstroom Detectives in collaboration with Mooirivier, CB and Belrex private security companies in the early hours of Thursday morning, 29 May 2025.

This came after operationalisation of information pertaining to a red Volkswagen Jetta, which was allegedly reported to be involved in theft of copper cables. The car was intercepted in Chief Albert Luthuli Drive near Dassierand in Potchefstroom, and searched.

The action led to the discovery of  copper cables and equipment that included pick axe, shovel, two hack-saws, which were seized. Six suspects were arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen copper cables.

Further and thorough investigation into the matter, linked the accused with damage to essential infrastructure in Dassierand, Potchefstroom where copper cables were allegedly cut and stolen at one of the mobile network service providers tower site. Investigation into the matter continues.