Three officials from the City of Tshwane Municipality, suspected of being part of a syndicate, have been apprehended by the police for their involvement in the theft of a transformer at a substation. The arrest took place on Tuesday morning, with the officials being between the ages of 30 and 40.
Reports indicate that the officials were responsible for stealing a large transformer from the Laudium substation, with an estimated value of R7 million. Major General Samuel Thine, a police spokesperson, confirmed that a significant transformer was recovered in connection to the arrests made at Laudium.
The recent arrests stem from an ongoing investigation that began in November, where initially 11 suspects were detained for the theft of a transformer at the same substation worth approximately R7 million. Following the investigation, ten suspects who were subcontractors were released due to lack of evidence linking them to the crime, while one municipal employee remained in custody and has made several court appearances. This individual is currently remanded in custody until August 8, 2025.
The arrests were a result of an internal investigation and tips about missing equipment at the substation. Major General Thine mentioned that one more suspect is expected to be arrested soon, bringing the total number of detained individuals to four, including one apprehended on June 27th. The police are actively pursuing the outstanding suspect for arrest.
Thine issued a stern warning to criminals involved in the theft of critical electricity infrastructure, emphasizing the detrimental impact it has on the economy and households in Tshwane. He stressed that law enforcement is vigilant and determined to apprehend those responsible for such crimes.
The three suspects arrested are set to face charges of theft of essential infrastructure and are scheduled to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on July 2, 2025. Additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses. Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, commended the investigative team for their efforts in combating such crimes and assured the public of continued police efforts to dismantle syndicates targeting essential infrastructure, which significantly impacts the country’s economy.
