A senior electricity manager from Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality was arrested for allegedly stealing a massive municipal transformer and trying to sell it to a Benoni company.
The suspect was caught red-handed during a sting operation with the transformer already loaded onto a truck, ready to be transported from the Free State to Gauteng.
ALSO READ | Suspect arrested for Inxiweni Primary school killing incident
The manager is believed to have orchestrated the illegal sale without the municipality’s knowledge or approval.
Hawks spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said authorities prevented the transformer, worth significant value, from leaving the province.
The manager was arrested on Wednesday, 19 November.
“We can confirm that the Hawks are investigating after an employee of Maluti-A-Phofung was arrested for stealing. Cops reacted to a complaint about people loading a municipal transformer at an auction in Phuthaditjhaba.
“The transformer is estimated at around R10 million. He was apprehended on the scene.
“Two other suspects arrested with him were released and the recovered vehicle they’d loaded the transformer onto was returned to the lawful owner.”
“The vehicle owner had sent them to collect a transformer he’d bought at the auction,” he said.
Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality spokesman Thabo Kessah said the municipality will initiate disciplinary measures.
He explained that appropriate internal processes are being activated to ensure accountability and address any wrongdoing in line with municipal policies.
ALSO READ | Two women arrested for raping a young boy in East London
“We condemn any acts of corruption and theft. Those found on the wrong side of the law must be harshly dealt with. We thank SAPS for their swift response,” Kessah said.
The manager appeared in Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Friday, 21 November, for fraud and theft.
