Three Tshwane Municipal employees arrested in R7m transformer theft

Gauteng police have arrested three City of Tshwane employees following months-long probe into  theft of critical power infrastructure.

The investigation began last November when authorities detained 11 suspects for stealing a R7 million transformer from Laudium substation.

Ten subcontractors were later released due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crime.

One municipal employee remains in custody pending trial until August 8 next year.

The newly arrested trio face charges of essential infrastructure theft and will appear at Pretoria Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed additional arrests are imminent as investigations progress.

Tshwane District Police Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine praised investigators for their persistent efforts against infrastructure crime.

He assured citizens that police will intensify operations to dismantle syndicates targeting vital installations, emphasising such crimes severely damage South Africa’s economy.