The Lephalale Regional Court sentenced Edward Maluleka (32) and Ally Chauke (29) to eight years’ direct imprisonment each for tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure. The conviction and sentencing were handed down on Monday, 11 May 2026.
The court heard that on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, at approximately 00:07, a security officer on patrol duty at Lephalale Clinic on Ellis Street observed two African males digging up copper cables next to the traffic lights at Rupert Street. The security officer alerted the police, who responded swiftly and arrested both suspects at the scene.