Copper cable thieves get three years

THABAZIMBI – Nine accused copper cable thieves were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on Monday 11 February in Thabazimbi and is currently serving their sentences in the prison in Polokwane.
Eight of nine convicted are Zimbabweans who entered the country for the sole purpose of stealing cables near Makoppa. These eight illegal immigrants will be deported back to Zimbabwe once they have served their sentences.
The felons were caught on their way back to Zimbabwe. The driver of their escape vehicle turned state witness and he confessed in bringing them into the country and dropping them off with the intent of stealing copper cables.
The accused are Fannie Ephraim Tshetlo (33 and the only South African citizen), Stephen Moyo (30), Stephen Bob Chivambo (27), Solly Hlayisi Chauke (30), Patrick Mathebula (31), Hobyane Webby Genzani (36), Lucky Chauke (22), Thomas Chauke (18) and Eddy Chauke (24). They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.