The Hawks confirmed that Oswell Mafume, 38, Carlos Mhande, 27, and Omega Turugare, 36, were convicted on 12 November 2026 on two counts each of tampering with, damaging and destroying essential infrastructure.
They were also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.
The case dates back to 18 October 2024, when six lithium batteries were stolen during a break-in at the second Luiperdsberg cell tower in Swellendam.
The suspects did not get far.
According to the Hawks, Swellendam police identified a vehicle believed to have been used in the theft and alerted Caledon police to watch for it. At approximately 07:00 that morning, officers stopped the vehicle on the N2, travelling towards Cape Town.
A search uncovered three lithium batteries and housebreaking equipment.
Two of the occupants attempted to escape on foot while the driver was arrested. Police pursued and apprehended the other two.
The Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources team in George subsequently took over the investigation. All three accused remained in custody after bail was successfully opposed.
The matter has been postponed to 22 January 2027 for sentencing. The three men remain behind bars.
The Hawks said the operation involved cooperation between its George team, Swellendam and Caledon police, Caledon Detective Services and private security company Bidvest Protea Coin.
The investigation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle cable theft and attacks on essential infrastructure, crimes that can leave communities and businesses without vital services.
This report was first carried by IOL.
