Three men, Oswell Mafume, 38, Carlos Mhande, 27, and Omega Turugare, 36, have been convicted of damaging and tampering with essential infrastructure after stealing six lithium batteries from a cellphone tower in Swellendam. The batteries, valued at R120,000, were taken during a break-in at the Luiperdsberg tower in October 2024. The convictions follow a Hawks investigation into the theft.
The Hawks, in collaboration with Swellendam police, tracked a vehicle linked to the theft along the N2 towards Caledon, where the suspects were arrested later that morning. Police spotted and stopped the vehicle on the N2 at approximately 7am, and a search uncovered three lithium batteries and housebreaking implements. Two suspects attempted to flee on foot, but were apprehended by police members.
The Hawks' Economic Protected Resources (EPR) team in George took over the investigation following the arrests, with all three cases allocated to a single investigator. The Hawks said bail was successfully opposed for all three accused, who remained in custody throughout the proceedings. The operation involved collaboration between the George EPR team, Swellendam and Caledon police, Caledon Detective Services, and private security company Bidvest Protea Coin.
On November 12, 2026, all three men pleaded guilty and were convicted of two counts each of tampering with, damaging and destroying essential infrastructure. They were also convicted of contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act. The case has been postponed to January 22, 2027, for sentencing. All three men remain in custody.
The stolen lithium batteries were intended for use in powering the cell tower, which provides essential communication services to the community. The theft had the potential to disrupt communication services and impact the local community. The convictions and upcoming sentencing serve as a deterrent to those who would engage in similar crimes targeting essential infrastructure.
The successful investigation and convictions demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private security companies in combating cable theft and crimes targeting essential infrastructure. The Hawks and other agencies involved in the operation are committed to protecting the country's infrastructure and prosecuting those who engage in such crimes.
The three men will be sentenced on January 22, 2027. The Hawks have confirmed that they will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to combat crimes targeting essential infrastructure and protect the country's assets.
Key points
- The three men were convicted of tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, and will be sentenced in January 2027.
