logo
R7m transformer theft: Implicated Tshwane officials released on bail

R7m transformer theft: Implicated Tshwane officials released on bail

News2408-07-2025
Three City of Tshwane officials accused of stealing a R7 million transformer from the Claudius Substation have been granted 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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes

News24

time19 hours ago

  • News24

Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: 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. Hawks raid Prasa HQ, seize executives' laptops, phones in R18bn tender probe - The Hawks seized laptops and mobile phones from Prasa's top executives as part of an ongoing investigation. - The investigation is related to allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion train signalling equipment tenders. - The operation follows reports that Prasa awarded contracts to companies that allegedly did not meet mandatory requirements. Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder, accused now admits to crime - Amber Lee Hughes admitted to murdering 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, who was found raped and drowned in January 2023. - Hughes initially pleaded not guilty but changed her legal team and made the admission in court on Thursday. - She maintains that she did not rape the child. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Crisis averted: National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill - The National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill, averting a potential fiscal crisis where government funds would have run out by October 2025. - The DA initially threatened to block the bill but changed course after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the minister of higher education, securing the bill's passage. - Despite objections from some parties, the bill is expected to be approved by the National Council of Provinces, allowing the government to fund critical priorities. Jacoline Schoonees/DIRCO US lawmaker slams SA sanctions bill as threat to decades of diplomacy - US congressman Jonathan Jackson criticised the "MAGA-driven" US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which proposes sanctions on South African government officials and ANC members. - The bill, authored by Ronny Jackson, aims to punish South Africa for its foreign policies, including its stance on Israel and ties with countries like Russia and China. - Tensions between the US and South Africa are high due to tariffs, refugee status granted to Afrikaners and differing views on international conflicts. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Godongwana announces big reforms after budget nightmare - The National Treasury is implementing reforms to the budget process due to fiscal and political challenges, including wider consultation and a focus on spending efficiencies. - A new mechanism called Targeted and Responsible Savings will rank programmes by importance to identify potential savings through spending reviews and phased "de-implementation." - Departments must utilise previous spending reviews to find savings and efficiency gains, with departmental savings being used to reduce debt or fund temporary expenditures. Supplied/MultiChoice DStv shake-up: New MultiChoice CEO promises major changes to win back subscribers - MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis plans to overhaul DStv packages to better meet customer needs and win back subscribers lost to streaming services and piracy. - Key strategies include focusing on local content, sports offerings, making kids' content more accessible and simplifying subscription structures by potentially removing reconnection and access fees. - The company acknowledges past missteps and aims to reinvent itself by addressing the disconnect with younger audiences and combating piracy, while also exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport. Lloyd Burnard | First signs of Rassie drawing a line on 'golden' Boks? - This generation of Springboks, considered the greatest in South African rugby history, is aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat" at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. - Despite their dominance, the recent squad selection for the Rugby Championship indicates a shift, with some older stars like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am facing increased competition and the potential passing of the baton to younger players. - While the transition may be bittersweet, it's a natural part of the sport, creating opportunities for new legends to emerge and continue the Springboks' legacy.

8 arrested in $500K Crown Royal whiskey heist in Windsor, police say
8 arrested in $500K Crown Royal whiskey heist in Windsor, police say

CBS News

time20 hours ago

  • CBS News

8 arrested in $500K Crown Royal whiskey heist in Windsor, police say

Windsor (Ontario, Canada) police have now arrested eight suspects accused of taking part in the theft of $500,000 worth of Crown Royal whiskey. On the evening of May 9, Windsor police say individuals broke into a fenced-in facility in the 3300 block of Devon Drive in Windsor and stole a semi-tractor trailer that was loaded with more than 1,000 boxes of Crown Royal whiskey. The trailer was later found abandoned the next day with the load of whiskey missing. Crown Royal is distilled, bottled and blended in Canada. Jason Greenwood, 46; Anthony Nelson, 57; Erica Nelson, 44; Justin Vachon, 27; William Girard, 49; and David Lombardi, 54, were previously arrested and charged in early June. A seventh suspect, Michael Christopher Bernard, 45, turned himself in to Windsor police on July 10 and is charged with five counts of possession with property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime for trafficking over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense and two counts of operation of a conveyance while prohibited. An eighth suspect, Wilfred St. Jean, 42, was arrested on July 22 and charged with two counts of possession with property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime for trafficking over $5,000, wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offense and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. To date, police have recovered 66 boxes of the stolen whiskey. The rest remains missing. Anyone with information on the alleged heist can submit a tip to the Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers site.

Nada-Jane's grieving dad ‘waiting to know how long she tortured her' as ex admits to murder
Nada-Jane's grieving dad ‘waiting to know how long she tortured her' as ex admits to murder

News24

time21 hours ago

  • News24

Nada-Jane's grieving dad ‘waiting to know how long she tortured her' as ex admits to murder

Elie Challita and Amy Johnson at the Gauteng High Court in Johannebsurg with a photograph of their beloved daughter, Nada-Jane. Bernadette Wicks/News24 Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store