R7m transformer theft: Implicated Tshwane officials released on bail

News24

08-07-2025

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.