NPA welcomes 15-year sentence for City Power infrastructure tampering

A 49-year-old man, Chrispen Chikwera, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court for tampering with essential infrastructure belonging to City Power.

Chikwera was convicted after being caught attempting to steal electrical cables in Greenside, Johannesburg, on 24 July 2024. The court found him guilty of contravening the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, which prescribes a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment for tampering with or damaging essential infrastructure.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred around 01:00 when a security officer responded to an alarm at a property in Greenside. Upon arrival, the officer found tools including a bolt cutter and other equipment beneath a City Power electrical pole. A closer inspection revealed that electrical cables were already loose and clamps had been removed.

While scanning the area, the security officer spotted Chikwera hiding in a nearby tree. He was apprehended on the spot and handed over to police officers from Parkview Police Station. Sergeant Maluleke, who attended the scene, collected the exhibits and arrested Chikwera for tampering with essential infrastructure.

During the trial, Chikwera pleaded not guilty. His defence applied for a discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, claiming that the state had not provided sufficient evidence. The court, however, dismissed the application and ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Regional Court Prosecutor Adolphus Mukwevho urged the court to impose the maximum penalty provided for first-time offenders. The court found that there were no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced Chikwera to 15 years of direct imprisonment.

NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the conviction underscored the value of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. “This conviction demonstrates the importance of vigilance in safeguarding public infrastructure. The NPA commends the security company for its alertness and commitment to preventing infrastructure-related crimes,” she said.

Crimes targeting essential infrastructure, such as electricity and water systems, have had a significant impact across the country. According to the South African Local Government Association, municipalities spend an estimated R20 billion annually repairing and replacing stolen or vandalised infrastructure. City Power reported that cable theft and vandalism cost Johannesburg more than R300 million in 2024 alone, contributing to prolonged power outages and service interruptions in many communities.

The Department of Public Enterprises has also warned that infrastructure crimes affect power supply, rail operations, and telecommunications networks. Eskom has recorded more than 2,000 incidents of copper cable theft and infrastructure damage over the past year, while Transnet has suffered losses exceeding R1 billion from theft and sabotage on its rail network.

Authorities have repeatedly stated that tampering with infrastructure not only disrupts essential services but also endangers lives, as damaged cables and exposed electrical lines can cause injuries or fatalities.

The NPA said it hopes the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar offences. Law enforcement agencies and municipalities have also urged the public to report suspicious activity near power lines, substations, or other utility sites.

Chikwera will serve his sentence in a Johannesburg correctional facility.