Three Men Sentenced for Theft and Tampering With Essential Infrastructure in de Aar

KIMBERLEY – The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of three men who were found guilty of theft and tampering with essential infrastructure following a successful police operation in the De Aar area.

The incident dates back to October 2025, when police operationalised information about three suspects who were stealing copper cables from the Transnet railway line in the Richmond Farms area, De Aar.

During the operation, police successfully arrested three suspects, identified as Luvuyo Cawe (37), Retselisetsoe Makhonofane (35) and Mphofe Mokete (39). They were found in possession of approximately 503 kilograms of copper cables, a motor vehicle and equipment used to tamper with essential infrastructure.

The three accused remained in custody until their sentencing. They recently appeared before the De Aar Regional Court, where all three were found guilty following a trial.

The court sentenced them as follows:

• Accused 1, Luvuyo Cawe: Three years’ direct imprisonment.
• Accused 2, Retselisetsoe Makhonofane: Six months’ imprisonment.
• Accused 3, Mphofe Mokete: Three months’ imprisonment.

Furthermore, all three accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Lieutenant General Otola and the provincial management commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses for his dedication and commitment in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

The SAPS reiterates its commitment to combating the theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure, which negatively affects service delivery, the economy and the livelihoods of communities.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities involving the theft or vandalism of essential infrastructure to their nearest police station.