The SAPS welcomes the 15 years’ sentence that was handed down to two former Transnet employees for stealing copper from locomotives.
On 17 February 2020 at about 10:50, the Provincial Organized Crime unit was busy with investigations at a local scrap metal dealer in Kimberley when they spotted the suspicious VW Polo with two male occupants.
The vehicle sped off, police ensued and managed to stop them close to the Kimberley Police Station. Police searched the boot and found 58 copper plates that was stolen from locomotives at Transnet.
The two accused were arrested and the VW Polo was also confiscated as it was allegedly used in a commission of crime.
Tumelo Mokupi (36) and Lefu Tsiu (40) were both sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure in the Kimberley Regional Court.
The Provincial Head for Organized Crime Detectives, Brig Johan Myburgh commended Warrant Officer Henk van der Merwe for his meticulous investigation that led to this outstanding sentence.
