Seven suspects convicted for cable theft

METRORAIL has welcomed the convictions of seven metal thieves who were charged with theft and damage of essential infrastructure.

The suspects had appeared in courts across the metro this month, said Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott.

“All seven were charged and sentenced in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act (CMAA) for theft/ damage of essential infrastructure.

“Most of the stolen items have been recovered and the majority of offenders entered a guilty plea,” said Scott.

Since March last year, 38 cases have been finalised relating to similar charges, while 143 cases were ongoing, Scott said.

“To date 334.5 years of jail sentences have been imposed in terms of the CMAA,” said Scott.

In the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, Mpololo Mbanga was found guilty of stealing 2.6m of underground signal cable.

He received a three-year direct imprisonment sentence.

In the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, Shakier Adams and Neville Matthews had entered into a plea agreement and were handed eight year imprisonment sentences, each suspended for four years.

The duo admitted to the theft and recovery of pandrol springs, rail chairs and clip bolts.

Meanwhile, Mark Boonzaaier received a 12-year sentence, of which six years were suspended, in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court for attempted theft and for being in possession of a hacksaw at the time of his arrest.

In the same court, Siyabonga Ndywili received a 10-year sentence, suspended for five years.

Ndywili stole about 16.5m of underground cable.

At the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court, duo Oesman Mohamed and Leon Smith each received a 10-year prison sentence, of which two years were suspended for five years, for theft of about 21m of underground cable to the value of R20 000.

Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker said: “The region has access to excellent investigative and forensic resources which strengthen the Passenger Rail Association of SA’s cases in court and upskill our security teams.

‘‘The evidence presented is compelling hence most accused plead guilty. Illegal metal trade remains detrimental to the economy of South Africa and compromises Prasa’s modernisation of the rail system.

‘‘Given the urgency and prominence rail received in the president’s State of the Nation Address as sustainable and preferred mode of public transport we anticipate that it would be given the priority it deserves”.

To report theft incidents, contact the Metrorail Protection Services hotline on 021 449 4336/5056.