A 38-year-old man, Abel Moabelo, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. The Booysens magistrate’s court also declared Moabelo unfit to possess a firearm. The incident occurred in Bassonia, in the south of Johannesburg, on March 25, 2021.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, officers from Capital Air security company responded to a complaint about a man acting suspiciously. The security officers questioned Moabelo and subsequently searched him, where they found ferrous metal that formed part of City Power’s essential infrastructure. Moabelo had unlawfully and intentionally tampered with an electrical box and removed electrical fuses.
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During the search, one fuse was found on Moabelo’s person, while the other two were discovered in the street by community policing forum members.
The police were called to the scene and Moabelo was promptly arrested. Despite pleading not guilty, Moabelo was found guilty of theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.
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Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, commended the community policing forum and the security company for their active role in preventing infrastructure damage.
This case serves as a reminder that society can make a significant impact in the fight against crime.
