South Africa
South Africa
Three City of Tshwane employees were arrested for the transformer heist.
Three Tshwane Workers Arrested for R7 Million Transformer Heist
Three Tshwane workers were arrested for stealing a R7m transformer using cranes and trucks, pretending it was for repairs
2025-07-02
2035-01-01T00:00:00.000Z
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2001-02-01T00:00:00.000Z
Three workers from the City of Tshwane have been arrested for allegedly stealing a transformer worth R7 million from the Laudium substation.
How Did The Heist Happen?
The transformer was stolen in November 2023 using a crane and two flatbed trucks. The suspects pretended they were taking it for repairs. Police arrived just in time after a tip-off from ward councillor Naeem Patel, who called both the Tshwane Metro Police and the South African Police Service.
When officers got to the scene:
Council trucks were being loaded with stolen equipment.
Heavy machinery used in the theft was seized.
Who Was Arrested?
Three City of Tshwane workers were arrested on Monday, 1 July.
They will appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 2 July, facing charges of stealing essential infrastructure.
During the original investigation last year:
11 people were arrested, including 10 subcontractors, but most were released due to lack of evidence.
One Tshwane worker remains in jail until his next court date on 8 August.
Mayor Reacts
Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya visited the substation and said she was shocked by what she saw.
What Happens Next?
Police say:
More arrests are likely as the internal investigation continues.
They are determined to stop criminals who target the city’s infrastructure.
