TSHWANE – A major breakthrough in the investigation of a R7 million transformer theft has led to the arrest of three City of Tshwane municipal employees, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Monday.
The arrests were made by the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, following months of investigation into the November 2024 theft of a transformer at the Laudium substation — an act authorities say severely disrupted power supply and posed a threat to public infrastructure.
According to SAPS, 11 suspects were initially taken into custody at the start of the investigation. Ten of them, who were sub-contractors, were released after police could not directly link them to the crime. However, one municipal employee remained in custody and has since made several court appearances.
He is expected back in court on 8 August 2025.The three newly arrested suspects — all municipal workers — are expected to appear at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 July, where they will be charged with theft of essential infrastructure “We commend the team for their ongoing efforts to deal with this serious crime,” said Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine.
“The theft of essential infrastructure has a damaging impact on our economy, and the police will not rest until these syndicates are dismantled.”SAPS confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are expected.