Picture: A suspected stolen copper cable seized/Generic
By STAFF REPORTER
15 October 2026 – Six Lesotho nationals have appeared in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft of essential infrastructure and contravention of immigration legislation following the discovery of copper cables in a vehicle allegedly travelling in convoy with another vehicle. The accused, Ntoane Mokoto (42), Nako Lengau (25), Teboho Molupe (42), Major Mohlolo (48), Katleho Ramphaololi (40) and Thuso Leeto (40), appeared in court on 14 October 2026.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the Free State, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said they were arrested on 12 October 2026, following a police operation prompted by a tip-off received regarding two vehicles allegedly transporting copper cables. Senokoatsane said the police stopped a vehicle bearing Lesotho registration plates and discovered rolls of copper cables inside.
“The vehicle had four occupants, including the driver. A second vehicle, a bakkie bearing North West registration plates and carrying two occupants, was also stopped. No copper cables were found in the bakkie.
“The preliminary information indicates that the two vehicles were travelling in convoy and that the owner of the bakkie was a passenger in the vehicle in which the copper cables were found. All six accused are Lesotho nationals,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the four accused produced passports, which remain subject to verification, while the other two allegedly failed to produce travel or identification documents required to establish their immigration status. He added that the accused allegedly did not provide police with information regarding the origin of the copper cables.
“The relevant municipal infrastructure unit and Eskom are expected to conduct further investigations to establish the ownership and origin of the recovered cables. The matter was postponed to 23 October 2026, for bail information and a possible bail application.
“The NPA views the theft and damage of essential infrastructure in a serious light. Cable theft undermines the delivery of critical services, imposes significant financial costs on the state and affected communities, and compromises the reliability of electricity and other essential services,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting those who allegedly target essential infrastructure and to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable through the criminal justice system.
