On Monday, 08 April 2024, Newcastle Regional court convicted and sentenced Boitumelo Mathabatha (35) and McDonald Ndhlovu (35) for theft of crude oil and tampering with essential infrastructure.
During the period of December 2021, security guards were patrolling the fence of Karbochem in Newcastle when they noticed a truck and a tanker trailer standing in the vicinity. They then discovered an illegal valve fitting and pipe that were attached to the Transnet crude oil pipeline and oil was being pumped from the pipe into the tanker.
When they approached the truck and tanker, the suspects ran away. A case of theft and tampering with essential infrastructure was opened at Newcastle police station. The case was allocated to Hawks from Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
An intensive investigation by Hawks resulted in the arrest of Boitumelo Mathabatha (35) and McDonald Ndhlovu (35) who were charged accordingly. The total loss to Transnet is approximately R800 000-00.
The matter was remanded several times before their ultimate sentencing on 08 April 2024 and the bail was successfully opposed by the Investigating Officer.
The sentencing went as follows:
Boitumelo Mathabatha (accused 1)
Count 1: Theft – 15 years’ direct imprisonment
Count 2: Tampering with essential infrastructure – 15 years’ direct imprisonment
McDonald Ndhlovu (accused 2)
Count 1: Theft -12 years’ direct imprisonment
Count 2: Tampering with essential infrastructure – 12 years’ direct imprisonment
Both accused were further declared unfit to possess firearm.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officer and his team for excellent work done in ensuring that the perpetrators are behind bars.
“The sentence will serve as a deterrent to all those who still think to commit similar crime” said Major General.
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