By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 November 2025- Two Lesotho nationals sentenced to 12 imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for the theft of copper cables and an additional six months for contravening Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. The accused, Bokang Molapisi (46) and Josias Mokgatja (35), were further declared unfit to possess firearms and the court ordered that they be deported to Lesotho after serving their sentences.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations led by Warrant Officer Petros Matshego, revealed that on 14 April 2025, a group of five men went to Impala Mine, near Rustenburg to steal copper cables. Gunya said they were apprehended by mine security officers on patrol, who summoned the police, leading to the arrest of all five suspects.
“Subsequently, three of the accused, all South African nationals, were granted bail, but have since absconded and remain fugitives. During the trial, the two Lesotho nationals pleaded guilty to both charges.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Zola Mpayipheli submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) by the mine’s engineer, detailing the financial and operational impact of copper theft. The engineer stated that the stolen cables, valued at R57 418.96, were used to supply lighting, power CCTV cameras, and operate the cage transporting employees underground.
“In delivering judgment, Magistrate Tabeah Matshabe noted that while both men were first-time offenders and had pleaded guilty, the court could not ignore the seriousness and prevalence of copper theft, which undermines the economy and disrupts essential services,” he said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the work of Prosecutor Mpayipheli, Warrant Officer Matshego, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to working tirelessly with law enforcement partners to ensure that perpetrators of copper theft face the full might of the law as such crimes threaten the country’s economic stability.
The Guardian 