R7m transformer theft: Implicated Tshwane officials released on bail
The officials – Kleinbooy Mahlangu, Thomas Baloi, and Daniel Kubayi – were arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of the crime in November 2024 and are charged with theft of essential infrastructure.
Another suspect, believed to be the buyer of the transformer, surrendered to the police and will face a bail hearing on 11 July.
The Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court has granted bail to three City of Tshwane officials accused of stealing a transformer valued at R7 million.
Kleinbooy Mahlangu, 45, was granted bail of R35 000, while Thomas Baloi, 41, and Daniel Kubayi, 50, were each granted bail of R30 000.
The three men face charges of theft of essential infrastructure in connection with a transformer stolen from the Claudius Substation in Laudium last year.
In November, the Tshwane Metro Police Department and the South African Police Service responded to a tip-off regarding a theft in progress at the substation.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered cranes, trucks and a City of Tshwane-branded vehicle on site.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, no proof of work authorisation could be provided to the police, leading to the arrest of 11 people.
However, 10 of them were later released from custody due to a lack of evidence.
Following the police investigation, it was determined that Mahlangu, Baloi and Kubayi allegedly fled the scene before the authorities arrived.
Warrants of arrest were issued, and the three were apprehended at their respective workplaces on 1 July 2025.
Another City of Tshwane official, Madimetja Jacob Malebane, 38, who was arrested at the scene, was also granted bail.
In court, Mahanjana said the State did not oppose the accused's release on bail, submitting an affidavit from investigating officer Sergeant Thabo Lukhele.
The affidavit indicated that the accused had cooperated with the police, were permanently employed by the City of Tshwane and did not pose a flight risk.
'The affidavit also noted that the investigation is nearly complete, with most witness statements already collected,' said Mahanjana.
She also revealed that another suspect, Katlego Molepo, 32, believed to be the buyer of the transformer, appeared in the same court facing identical charges.
Molepo handed himself over to the authorities at Atteridgeville police station on Sunday.
He will return to court on Friday for a bail application.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Ramaphosa touts state capture gains; Citrus at risk: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Ramaphosa claims 'significant progress' in implementing state capture recommendations - President Ramaphosa claims 'significant progress' in implementing accountability and institutional reforms related to state capture, reporting 48% completion of actions from the Zondo Commission's recommendations. - Nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds has been recovered, with high-profile state capture cases scheduled for trials in 2025-2026. - Despite progress, criticism remains regarding implicated ministers still in office and the effectiveness of reforms in preventing future state capture. Lisalee Solomons/News24 Alleged Cape Town baby snatcher Shamiema Jacobs granted bail - Shamiema Jacobs, accused of kidnapping a nine-day-old baby in Cape Town, was granted R4 000 bail. - The magistrate imposed strict conditions, including that Jacobs cannot go to Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein and must report to the police three times a week. - Jacobs faces charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice after the baby was found at her home. Emma Powell resigns as DA's international relations spokesperson - Emma Powell resigned as the DA's international relations spokesperson after being accused of spreading disinformation about South Africa during a US visit. - The DA had previously requested protection for Powell amid allegations that she undermined SA's international relations by pushing an anti-government agenda in the US. - Ryan Smith will take over Powell's role, and she will remain a member of the DA caucus in Parliament with a new portfolio to be announced soon. Gallo Images/Die Burger/Theo Jeptha Ramaphosa denies Mchunu special treatment, justifies Cachalia costs in court papers - President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave amid corruption allegations, citing it as rational and constitutional. - MK Party and Jacob Zuma challenged the special leave, Cachalia's appointment, and the inquiry in the Constitutional Court, claiming they are unconstitutional. - Ramaphosa justified appointing Professor Cachalia as acting minister to uphold criminal justice legitimacy, despite the costs, and denies giving Mchunu special farmers warn of rotting fruit as US tariff deadline looms - The SA Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) is concerned about a looming 30% tariff from the US on 1 August, which could make farmland unprofitable. - The CGA is requesting urgent government intervention to secure a new trade deal with the US or a special extension of the 10% universal tariff for fresh produce exports. - If the 30% tariff is implemented, farmers could see 500 to 1 000 hectares of farmland become unprofitable, and many cartons of citrus will be left unsold. Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Gutted Wallabies give Rassie fresh incentive to mobilise his '7-1' Bok brew - Despite improved performances from Skelton and Valetini, the Wallabies still lack consistent forward power. - The Springboks may use a forward-heavy bench split (6-2 or 7-1) to exploit this weakness in the upcoming Rugby Championship matches. - South Africa has dominated Australia in recent matches, winning the last four encounters. Show Comments ()
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Madlanga promises transparency as Judicial Commission starts probe into political interference in law enforcement
Commission preparing to hear evidence on alleged infiltration of police, prosecution, intelligence, and judiciary by criminal networks. First witness consultation scheduled as public encouraged to share relevant information. Ramaphosa promises transparency and swift action as Mchunu steps aside and hearings prepare to go public. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has announced that the work of the judicial commission of inquiry set to investigate allegations of political interference within law enforcement has officially commenced, with the first consultation with a witness expected imminently. Madlanga briefed the media in Sandton on Monday, outlining the commission's current status and the steps ahead. Madlanga who was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the inquiry established to investigate serious corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanaz,i explained that this initial consultation will guide the commission on what further information to pursue. 'We are mindful that South Africans are eager to see the first witness take the stand. We share that eagerness and are moving with the necessary urgency to make it happen,' he said. However, Madlanga emphasised that allegations alone do not mean evidence hearings can start immediately. We must first carry out consultations and assess the information gathered. This may require follow-up consultations to strengthen the case where necessary. He assured the public that the commission is treating the matter with the seriousness and speed it deserves, aiming to begin formal hearings by August 2025. Madlanga also highlighted the importance of public participation, encouraging members of the public to submit any relevant information they may have, once the commission's infrastructure is in place. Currently, the commission is finalising the procurement of a building in Gauteng where the hearings will be held. While this process is ongoing, Madlanga confirmed that it will not delay the commission's preparatory work, which is progressing at full speed. The first consultation has already been scheduled, and appointments of senior professionals who will assist the commission are underway. These experts were carefully selected based on their experience, and Madlanga introduced his fellow commissioners and senior team members during the briefing. Among the senior team are senior counsels Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo and several senior counsel advocates. Madlanga expressed confidence in this team's ability to deliver on the commission's mandate. Regarding the timeline, Madlanga said the commission will work within a set schedule but remains open to extensions if necessary. He reminded the media and public that the commission's terms of reference cover a broad scope of investigation, including key law enforcement and criminal justice institutions such as the police services, prosecuting authority, intelligence agency, judiciary, correctional services, and any relevant executive members. The commission's mandate focuses on investigating the infiltration of these institutions by criminal syndicates. Madlanga said the commission intends to submit an interim report within the first three months, which may include recommendations for concrete actions based on the evidence gathered. He also outlined that the commission hearings will generally be open to the public and live streamed, ensuring transparency, except in cases where the chairperson may direct otherwise. Lastly, Madlanga addressed ongoing litigation in the Constitutional Court challenging the establishment of the commission and requests to halt its processes. He confirmed that the commission will respect any court decisions, whether interim or final. With these foundational steps underway, the judicial commission is moving decisively to uncover the truth behind the serious allegations and restore public confidence in the criminal justice system. At the time Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the establishment of this judicial commission, he said: These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine public confidence in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect citizens and combat crime and corruption. He said the commission will investigate claims that criminal networks have infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other elements of the justice system. Areas of focus include the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials. Ramaphosa said the commission will also investigate the possible involvement of current or former senior officials across the SA Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Mkhwanazi alleged that the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal by then-Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in March effectively shut down 121 active dockets, many involving politically motivated murders. He claimed the move was deliberate, aimed at protecting a criminal syndicate deeply entrenched in politics, law enforcement, the judiciary, and business. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records as evidence of coordinated efforts to dismantle the task team. He implicated Mchunu's associate, Brown Mogotsi, in communicating with businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who was awarded a R360 million SAPS contract that has since been cancelled. Ramaphosa responded by stating that the newly established judicial commission will assess prima facie evidence involving individuals in law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The commission will have the authority to recommend suspensions and refer matters for criminal investigation and prosecution based on the nature of the allegations and evidence uncovered. Ramaphosa stressed the urgency and thoroughness required and confirmed that the commission will issue interim reports after three and six months, with a final report to be submitted to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice. In the meantime, Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence. Professor Firoz Cachalia, chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and a law professor, is set to take over as Minister of Police in August. For now, Gwede Mantashe is serving as the acting minister.
News24
4 hours ago
- News24
Deputy Chief Justice Madlanga addresses media on inquiry into Mkhwanazi's accusations
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate explosive allegations of political interference and police complicity in crime made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
