56-year-old Skhumbuzo Mabaso recently appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on a charge of tempering with essential infrastructure. This comes after Mabaso was found in possession of cell tower batteries worth more than R100 000 on various occasions.
According to the police Mabaso was arrested in Orange Farm in Gauteng on 9 April 2019 for possession of suspected stolen property after failing to prove ownership of the batteries in his possession. It was later discovered that all those batteries were stolen from Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein and there is a case of theft that had been registered at the Bloemspruit SAPS.
During the investigation, police discovered that there were five other cases opened against Mabaso in Kagisanong for cell tower battery theft. The first case was registered in 2016, with the other four in 2017. Mabaso was released on bail of R500 in November 2019 and his charge changed to tempering with essential infrastructure.
The police say Mabaso allegedly committed these crimes as a part of a syndicate which travels from one place to another. He is originally from Durban but stays in Gauteng, while his client base is in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other countries. These cell tower batteries belong to network providers Vodacom, MTN and Cell C.
According to the police the cost of replacing the batteries and repairing damage caused to cell towers is huge. “Theft of cell tower batteries could have a negative effect on service charges to communities, customers and businesses. This is because of the costs to replace stolen batteries across the country. The service providers have been badly affected by the growing number of battery theft and vandalism,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.
Makhele added that theft of cell tower batteries in the farming areas could affect telecommunication networks leading to emergency and police services not being reached when needed.
“It is a well-known fact that people who are buying stolen goods are as guilty as those who steal. If they are arrested they will be charged with possession of suspected stolen property, amongst others. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects is requested to call the police’s Crime Stop line on 0860 10111 or anonymously provide such information via the MySAPS App,” added Makhele.
Mabaso’s case has been postponed to 2 and 3 March 2020 for trial.
Seithati Semenokane
