DE AAR, NORTHERN CAPE – Three men have been sentenced following a major De Aar infrastructure theft operation targeting the Transnet railway line. Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola has officially welcomed the convictions, highlighting the successful law enforcement intervention in the region.
The convictions stem from an incident in October 2025, when police acted on operational intelligence regarding suspects stealing copper cables in the Richmond Farms area of De Aar. During the targeted operation, officers arrested three individuals: 37-year-old Luvuyo Cawe, 35-year-old Retselisetsoe Makhonofane, and 39-year-old Mphofe Mokete.
Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of approximately 503 kilograms of copper cables, a motor vehicle, and specialized equipment used to tamper with essential infrastructure.
The three accused remained in custody pending their trial at the De Aar Regional Court, where they were ultimately found guilty. The court handed down the following sentences:
Luvuyo Cawe: Three years of direct imprisonment.
Retselisetsoe Makhonofane: Six months of imprisonment.
Mphofe Mokete: Three months of imprisonment.
In addition to their prison terms, the court declared all three accused unfit to possess a firearm.
Lieutenant General Otola, alongside provincial management, commended the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses, for his dedication and commitment to ensuring the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) used the occasion to reiterate its ongoing commitment to combating the theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure. The police noted that such crimes severely negatively impact service delivery, the broader economy, and the daily livelihoods of local communities.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities involving the theft or vandalism of essential infrastructure to their nearest police station.
