Pretoria – Three employees of the City of Tshwane Municipality have been arrested in connection with the theft of a transformer worth approximately R7 million from the Laudium substation, Gauteng police confirmed on Monday.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the arrests were the result of a thorough investigation led by the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit.
The suspects were taken into custody on 1 July 2025 and are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 July, where they will face charges of theft of essential infrastructure.
This development follows an investigation that began in November 2024, during which 11 suspects were initially arrested.
#sapsGP Three municipal officials busted for theft of essential infrastructure. A thorough investigation by Gauteng Organised Crime Unit has led to the arrest of three employees from City of Tshwane Municipality.
The three suspects arrested today, 01/07, will be charged with… pic.twitter.com/wyNWBMrweN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 1, 2025
Ten of those, identified as subcontractors, were later released after no direct links to the theft could be established.
However, one municipal employee remained behind bars and has since made several court appearances. He is currently remanded in custody until 8 August 2025.
Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, praised the investigative team for their continued efforts to tackle infrastructure-related crimes.
“We commend the team for their persistence in addressing crimes that impact essential infrastructure. The public can rest assured that we remain committed to dismantling syndicates targeting critical services, as such crimes have a severe impact on the country’s economy,” Thine said.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing and that more arrests are expected.
The City of Tshwane municipality has issued a statement, confirming the arrest of it three employees.
Tshwane confirms the arrest of 3 employees allegedly involved in the theft of electricity components. pic.twitter.com/SMoJtHi5UA
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) July 1, 2025
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
