By Everson Luhanga
- A transformer was stolen using cranes and trucks by people pretending it was being taken for repairs. Police arrived just in time to stop them.
- Police arrested three city workers this week and say more arrests may follow as an internal investigation continues.
Three workers from the City of Tshwane have been arrested for stealing a transformer worth R7 million from the Laudium substation last year.
Police said the suspects were arrested on Monday, 1 July. They will appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 2 July. They are facing charges of stealing essential infrastructure.
The transformer was stolen in November 2023 using a crane and two flatbed trucks. The suspects pretended the transformer was being taken for repairs.
Council trucks were already being loaded with some of the stolen equipment when police arrived. Officers acted on a tip-off from ward councillor Naeem Patel, who called the Tshwane Metro Police and the South African Police Service.
Heavy equipment used in the heist was seized at the scene.
A total of 11 people were arrested during the original investigation, including 10 subcontractors. Most of them were released after police could not link them to the crime.
One City of Tshwane worker from the original arrests is still in jail and will stay there until his next court date on 8 August.
City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya visited the substation and said she was shocked by what she saw.
Police say more arrests are likely as they continue to crack down on people who target the city’s infrastructure. An internal investigation is still under way to find others who may have helped plan the theft.
Pictured above: The three employees from the City of Tshwane who were arrested for transformer heist.
Image source: Supplied
