The acting CEO of South Africa’s logistics utility, Michelle Phillips, has welcomed the sentencing of a former Transnet employee who was found in possession of stolen copper cable and assaulted security guards who apprehended him at the workplace.
“Transnet welcomes the sentencing of the former employee,” Phillips said.
“We believe it serves as a deterrent to anyone, including employees, who may be involved in this type of activity.
“The theft and damage of essential infrastructure is a serious crime, and has a hugely negative impact on our operations and the economy.
“We are encouraged that our collaboration with law enforcement agencies is yielding positive results, and will continue to work with them to ensure all perpetrators are brought to book.
Joseph Leeuw, 37, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in the Bloemfontein Magistrates court last week after facing charges of damage to essential infrastructure and assault.
SA Police Service spokesperson for the Free State, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, said security guards had spotted the employee trying to leave work with the stolen copper cable in his possession last June.
“Navalsig police were called to the Transnet railway premises after one of the company's employees was found with copper cable in his bag.
“Security officials tried to detain him, but he assaulted them and ran away, dropping the loot,” Kareli said.
“A case of damage to infrastructure and assault was registered. The suspect was arrested the following day while reporting for duty and was charged with damage to essential infrastructure and assault,” he said.
The case was handed over to detective constable Mathaha Lekgooa of Navalsig Detective Services.
“The suspect was charged and sentenced by the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court to 20 years for damage to essential infrastructure and assault,” Kareli said.
