Three men convicted for damaging Transnet property

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A successful investigations by Hawks Investigating Officer (IO) has led to a successful conviction of three foreign nationals who were caught damaging overhead Transnet infrastructure.

Hawks Spokesperson in the area Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said that the three now convicted, 36 years old Thembinkosi Robert Zwane, 28 years old Saneliso Lucky Shabalala and 37 years Musa Twice Mabuza have been in police custody since their arrest in October 2021 by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation during the disruptive intelligence driven operation.

“On 15 October 2021, overhead Transnet cables were cut-off at Wonderfontein railway lines in Belfast, Mpumalanga province. When the inspection was conducted, four foreign nationals were caught red-handed and they were arrested. They were charged with damaging of essential infrastructure and illegal immigration.”

She added that through thorough investigations, the Belfast Regional Court sentenced the three accused to 15 years direct imprisonment plus 18 as well as 14 months imprisonment respectively on 14 November 2022.