Second accused in Tshwane transformer theft denies involvement, says device was old
Three City of Tshwane officials were arrested this week in connection with the theft of the R7 million transformer that was taken from a Laudium substation.
Thomas Baloyi and his two co-accused appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Friday.
READ: Suspect in City of Tshwane transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty
Baloyi told the court he could prove he was not involved in the crime and wanted to be released on bail.
Advocate Siyabulela Pendani read a statement from his client.
"The transformer that is said that I have tampered with is a 1976 transformer, which is disused and was discarded. I will prove to the court that I have never tampered or seek to steal essential infrastructure, and I was on duty on the said day as an employee of the City of Tshwane."
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The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Fifth suspect arrested for City of Tshwane transformer theft
The suspects are linked to the theft of a R7-million transformer from the Laudium substation. A fifth suspect believed to be part of a syndicate involved in the theft of a seven-million-rand transformer at a substation in the City of Tshwane has been arrested. The man was handcuffed on Sunday after he handed himself over to the police. Arrests This brings the number of suspects arrested for the theft of the transformer to five. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the investigation revealed that the suspect was the potential buyer for the stolen transformer, and a warrant of arrest was issued for him. 'He is expected to make his first court appearance on 07 July 2025 at Atteridgeville court. Last week, three municipal workers allegedly involved in the theft of a transformer from the Laudium substation were arrested. The fourth suspect was arrested on June 27, 2025. ALSO READ: Tshwane officials arrested for theft of transformer in Laudium Court Siphiwe Mahlangu (45), Thomas Baloyi (41) and Daniel Kubayi (50), who are all City of Tshwane employees, appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court for a formal bail application. The trio are facing charges of theft of essential infrastructure and will remain in custody pending their next court appearance on July 8th. Investigation Nevhuhulwi said a thorough investigation by Gauteng Organised Crime Unit led to the arrest of three employees from City of Tshwane Municipality last week. 'Their arrest follows an ongoing investigation which started last year, November, where 11 suspects were initially arrested for stealing a transformer at Laudium substation worth approximately R7 million. 'The 10 suspects who were sub contractors were released after they could not be linked to the crime and one who is an employee of the municipality remained behind bars and has since made several court appearance and is currently remanded in custody until 08 August 2025,' Nevhuhulwi said. Praise Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine commended the team for their ongoing efforts to deal with this crime. The police stated that they will continue to work diligently to dismantle the syndicates that target essential infrastructure and related crimes, as this has a detrimental impact on the country's economy. ALSO READ: Community foils attempted theft of transformers at Claudius Substation [VIDEO]
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Second accused in Tshwane transformer theft denies involvement, says device was old
JOHANNESBURG - The second accused in the transformer theft denies being involved, saying the device was old and disused. Three City of Tshwane officials were arrested this week in connection with the theft of the R7 million transformer that was taken from a Laudium substation. Thomas Baloyi and his two co-accused appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Friday. READ: Suspect in City of Tshwane transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty Baloyi told the court he could prove he was not involved in the crime and wanted to be released on bail. Advocate Siyabulela Pendani read a statement from his client. "The transformer that is said that I have tampered with is a 1976 transformer, which is disused and was discarded. I will prove to the court that I have never tampered or seek to steal essential infrastructure, and I was on duty on the said day as an employee of the City of Tshwane."
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Suspect in City of Tshwane transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty
JOHANNESBURG - The Atteridgeville Magistrates Court has heard how one of the three suspects in the transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty. Three municipal workers returned to the dock on Friday after their arrest linked to the theft of an R7-million transformer from the Laudium substation. Siphiwe Mahlangu, Thomas Baloyi and Daniel Kubayi, who are all City of Tshwane employees, are applying for bail. On Friday, the court heard that 45-year-old Mahlangu had no previous convictions, no pending cases or warrants of arrest. READ: Police in Tshwane arrest 3 municipal workers for theft of R7 million transformer His attorney, Thabiso Mphahlele, disclosed to the court that in the 90s his client only had a traffic violation, which he paid a fine for. Mahlangu's bail statement further stated that he was a father to three minors and the provider for his wife and children. His lawyer read the statement to the court.
