Standerton: A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment for tampering with Eskom copper cables supplying electricity to households at Morgenzon, in Standerton. Ncanawe Andrew Mngomezulu received his sentence from the Standerton Regional Court in Mpumalanga this week.

According to South African Government News Agency, Mngomezulu was seen cutting Eskom copper cables by a witness in May 2022. He fled the scene upon realizing he had been spotted. The witness reported the incident to her brother, who then notified the police and Eskom, leading to Mngomezulu's arrest.

In court, Mngomezulu pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations and claiming a past casual relationship with the complainant. The witness testified that Mngomezulu's actions left her home without electricity for a month until the cables were repaired. An Eskom technician confirmed the damage and its impact on service delivery.

The court found the complainant to be a credible witness and convicted Mngomezulu. The defense sought a lesser sentence, citing 'substantial and compelling circumstances,' but the state opposed this, highlighting the crime's impact on community service delivery. The court emphasized the need for appropriate punishment for such offenses.

Mngomezulu received a 15-year sentence and was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomed the sentence, underscoring the serious consequences for those who vandalize essential infrastructure and disrupt critical services.