STELLALANDER-TAUNG: On Thursday, 23 May, Thabang Kgalapa (33), Letlhogonolo Selaledi (34) and Kenneth Chauke (35) re-appeared before the Taung Magistrates’ Court for a formal bail application.
The trio’s court appearance emanated from their arrests on Sunday, 12 May by the Pudimoe police after being found in possession of copper cable with an estimated street value of R151 000. According to reports, police reacted swiftly upon information about the accused who were seen cutting Telkom cables. On arrival at the scene, the police found three men and the copper cable loaded on a Mercedes Benz truck. The accused informed the police during questioning that they were sub-contractors and instructed by Telkom to remove old cables and install new ones. However, they could not produce documentary proof to this effect and were taken to the police station for further questioning. Furthermore, the police contacted Telkom, who denied the allegations of contractors. The suspects were apprehended and charged with tampering with essential infrastructure. They initially appeared before the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 14 May.
