Picture: The infrastructure vandalised/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
A-39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Port Nolloth Regional Court for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 31 March 2022, the police received a complaint from a concerned member of the community residing in Nollothville, Port Nolloth.
“The resident complained about a disturbing noise near a Telkom line. The police attached to the Visible Policing unit in Port Nolloth, immediately attended to the complaint.
“The police found a stepladder and an axe near a Telkom pole and saw a person running away. They gave chase and apprehended the suspect who later became known to them as Philemon Hermanus,” said Shemane.
He further said Hermanus was originally arrested and charged for theft of copper cables. He added that, however, the investigating officer, Constable Rogerio Esau secured an additional charge of tampering with essential infrastructure.
“On 11 October 2023, the Port Nolloth Regional Court convicted and sentenced Hermanus to 12 years of direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded Esau for his thorough and meticulous investigation that led the court to impose a harsh sentence on the accused. Otola said damage to infrastructure has a negative impact on the lives of the communities.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities to the nearest police station immediately or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
“Alternatively, information can be communicated via the MySAPS App or by sending an SMS to 32211. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Otola.
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