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Lionel Bah (35), Gabriel Modula (35), and Thethani Mguzulwa (61) appeared in the Molteno Magistrates’ Court on March 25, after being arrested by the Komani-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks in a joint operation with Middleburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members, Molteno Visible Police members and Molteno detectives on March 22 for allegations of damage to infrastructure, possession of copper cables and theft.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, it is alleged that on March 22, at about 21:35, members from the Molteno Police Station received information about a white Ford Ranger with CY registration that was collecting copper at an address in Molteno location.
She said that the lead was followed and the vehicle was spotted and stopped by the members.
“Inside the vehicle were two occupants. The members introduced themselves and asked for permission to search the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, three white bags of copper to the estimated cash value of R190 000 cut into small pieces were found,” said Mgolodela.
“The suspects could not give a satisfactory answer for having the copper cables. They instead pointed to a certain house where they are reported to claim to have obtained the copper cables from.”
Mgolodela said that upon reaching the house, the members are reported to have met with Mguzulwa at the house and permission to search the house was requested.
She said that bolt cutters and a scale were recovered.
“Mguzulwa was also arrested and detained with his co-accused at Molteno Police Station. The Ford Ranger, copper cables, bolt cutters, and cell phones of the suspects were seized,” said Mgolodela.
The trio appeared at the Molteno Magistrates’ Court on March 25.
Mgolodela said that Bah and Modula were remanded in custody to reappear on April 2, for bail information while charges against Mguzulwa were provisionally withdrawn pending the collection of more evidence to link him to the case.
The Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Venessa Shantelle Hastings, grossly condemned the act since it has been a while that vandalism to infrastructure which compromised the network and economy of the country, has occurred.
