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The Tlhabane Regional Court has sentenced 54-year-old Mozambican national, John Paipai Sithole, to a total of 16 years’ direct imprisonment for copper cable theft and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The sentencing, delivered on Monday 14 July 2025, follows an incident on 12 February 2025 at a well-known mine in Luka Village. Sithole was apprehended by mine security while still on the premises, in possession of stolen copper cable valued at R31,444.00. The theft caused a temporary halt in mining operations, as confirmed by the mine engineer during court proceedings.
Despite pleading not guilty, Sithole was convicted after overwhelming evidence was presented. He had remained in custody since his arrest and was not granted bail.
Guided by Prosecutor Advocate Zola Mpayipheli and based on thorough investigations led by Detective Warrant Officer Mosadiemang Matshego, the court handed down the following sentences:
- 15 years’ direct imprisonment for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure
- 1 year’s direct imprisonment for being in the country illegally
The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, meaning Sithole will serve the full 15 years for theft before commencing the additional 1-year sentence for contravening immigration laws. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and will be deported to Mozambique upon completion of his sentence.
Acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District Commissioner, Brigadier Joel Pheto, welcomed the sentencing, emphasising that SAPS will continue to prioritise infrastructure-related crimes, which have significant economic and operational impacts on communities and industries.
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