By REGINALD KANYANE
23 January 2025- Three Mozambican nationals were sentenced to 23 years imprisonment by the Tlhabane Regional Court for theft involving ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as for Contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The accused persons, Andries Chilenge (43), Oscar Tembe (33), and Julius Khoza (46), received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in prison.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said charges relate to an incident between Boshoek and the Phokeng railway, near Tlhabane on 11 November 2023. Gunya said the men were implicated in the theft of a 353kg copper railway cable valued at over R146 000.
“Investigations revealed that around 11pm, on the evening of the incident, transit security personnel patrolling the area discovered the severed cable. A coordinated search was immediately launched, involving a drone and a team of eight security officers,” he said.
He further said these suspects were spotted near the railway and apprehended. Gunya added that the police were called to the scene and the severed cables were recovered and confiscated.
“During the trial, the state called a Transnet investigator who detailed the severe consequences of tampering with essential infrastructure, including disruptions to the transportation of goods and significant financial losses. The state prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the crime, urging the court to impose stringent sentences.
“The presiding officer concurred, stating that the actions of the accused posed a significant danger to the community and that they needed to be removed from society,” he said.
Gunya said Chilenge was sentenced to 18 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act, Tembe, 13 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act, while Khoza was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act. He said the court ordered that the sentences for contravening the Immigration Act run concurrently with the sentences for theft.
“Additionally, the accused will be deported to Mozambique upon completing their prison terms,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences and commended the prosecutor, investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.
“These sentences underscore the NPA’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring that justice is served,” she said.
The Guardian 