By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 July 2025- The Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to three officials from the City of Tshwane who are accused of stealing a transformer valued at R7 million. Kleinbooy Mahlangu (45) from Soshanguve was granted bail of R35,000, while Thomas Baloi (41) from Pretoria North and Daniel Kubayi (50) from Hammanskraal were each granted bail of R30,000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said all three are facing a charge of theft of essential infrastructure, relating to a transformer stolen from the Claudius Substation in Laudium. Mahanjana said it is alleged that on the afternoon of 7 November 2024, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and SAPS, responded to a tip-off about a theft in progress at the substation.
“Upon arrival, they found cranes, trucks, and a City of Tshwane-branded vehicle on-site. When no proof of work authorisation could be provided, eleven people were arrested. Ten were later released from custody.
“Another City of Tshwane official, Madimetja Jacob Malebane (38), who was also arrested at the scene, appeared in court on 28 November 2024 and was released on bail. During investigations by the police, it was found that Mahlangu, Baloi, and Kubayi had fled the scene before police arrived,” she said.
Mahanjana further said warrants of arrest were issued, and the three were arrested at their respective workplaces on 1 July 2025. She added that in court, the state did not oppose their release on bail.
Prosecutor Grace Komane submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Sergeant Thabo Lukhele, stating that the accused had cooperated with the police, are permanently employed by the City of Tshwane, and therefore they do not pose as a flight risk. Komane said the affidavit also noted that the investigation is nearly complete, with most witness statements already collected.
The case was postponed to 11 July 2025 for the Schedule 6 opposed bail application of a fourth accused, Katlego Molepo (32), who is facing the same charge. Molepo, alleged to be the buyer of the stolen transformer, handed himself over to the Atteridgeville Police Station on 6 July 2025.
The Guardian 