Kroonstad: Six accused were sentenced by the Kroonstad Magistrates Court after being found guilty of tempering with essential infrastructure and contravention of the Immigration Act. Louis Lobisi (29), Oracio Bila (29), Juloss Bila (35), Gift Arnold Mundlovu (40), Daniel Enerst Cossa (39), and Anthony Tamela (37) were arrested on 16 January 2022, in Steynsrus for possessing stolen copper cables valued at R84,970 00. The cables were stolen from the Kromspruit substation.
According to South African Police Service, the court sentenced all six accused to five years direct imprisonment for theft of non-ferrous metals. Oracio Bila, Jullos Bila, and Cossa were sentenced to another four years imprisonment for fraud and three years for forgery.
Oracio Bila, Jullos Bila, Mundlovu, Cossa, and Tamela were each sentenced to a fine of R1000 or three months imprisonment for illegal immigration.
All sentences will run concurrently.
The first accused, Isaya Baloyi died in a car accident.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Free State, Brigadier Ketlamoreng Mafoyane commended the investigating officer for a job well done.