THREE MOZAMBICAN SENTENCED FOR THEFT AND IMMIGRATION VIOLATIONS
Tlhabane, South Africa – The Tlhabane Regional Court in the North West has sentenced three Mozambican nationals to lengthy direct imprisonment for theft involving ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as for contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The accused Andries Chilenge (43), Oscar Tembe (33), and Julius Khoza (46) received sentences ranging from 13 to 23 years in prison.
The charges relate to an incident on 11 November 2023, between Boshoek and the Phokeng railway near Tlhabane. The men were implicated in the theft of a 353kg copper railway cable valued at over R146,000. Investigations revealed that around 23h00 on the evening of the incident, transit security personnel patrolling the area discovered the severed cable. A coordinated search was immediately launched, involving a drone and a team of eight security officers. The suspects were spotted near the railway and apprehended. Police were called to the scene, and the severed cables were recovered and confiscated.
During the trial, the state called a Transnet investigator who detailed the severe consequences of tampering with essential infrastructure, including disruptions to the transportation of goods and significant financial losses. State Prosecutor Mputla emphasized the seriousness of the crime, urging the court to impose stringent sentences.
The presiding officer concurred, stating that the actions of the accused posed a significant danger to the community and that they needed to be removed from society. The sentences are as follows: Andries Chilenge, 18 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act, Oscar Tembe, 13 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act and Julius Khoza, 23 years for theft and 1 year for contravening the Immigration Act. The court ordered that the sentences for contravening the Immigration Act run concurrently with the sentences for theft. Additionally, the accused will be deported to Mozambique upon completing their prison terms.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences and commended the prosecutor, investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. “These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring that justice is served,” she stated.
