5th suspect expected to appear in court over stolen R7m transformer in Tshwane

JOHANNESBURG - A fifth suspect was expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Monday in connection with the theft of a R7 million transformer.

The suspect handed himself over to a police station in Pretoria on Sunday.

Last week, three Tshwane municipal workers were arrested, facing charges linked to the theft of the equipment from the Laudium substation.

Police investigations indicate that the latest suspect was the potential buyer of the stolen transformer.

The transformer was taken in November 2024, followed by the arrest of 11 suspects.

Soon after that, 10 of the suspects were released due to a lack of evidence.

Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said: "The investigation indicated the suspect as the potential buyer for the stolen transformer and a warrant of arrest was issued for him. He is expected to make his first court appearance on 07 July 2025 at the Atteridgeville court."

Police investigations into the matter continue. 

ALSO READ: Tshwane govt to conduct own probe in R7m transformer theft case allegedly involving municipal workers