Three individuals have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each for tampering with essential infrastructure, a crime that poses significant risks to public safety and the economy. Mokete Rakabaele (36), Tebogo Bamphile Mashabela (31), and France Khoza (28) were convicted for their involvement in a copper cable theft operation in Kempton Park. The trio was apprehended on May 18, 2018, after Kempton Park police officers spotted them digging at a site known for its critical infrastructure. The suspects’ actions were not only illegal but also dangerous, as tampering with essential infrastructure can disrupt vital services and cause widespread damage.
The investigation into the crime was led by Sergeant Tebogo Modika, a dedicated officer attached to the Ekurhuleni District Essential Infrastructure Unit. Modika worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the trio, ensuring that justice would be served. After the suspects were detained by Kempton Park police, the case was handed over to Sergeant Modika, who made it her mission to see the perpetrators held accountable. Her efforts culminated in a successful conviction in the Kempton Park Regional Court on November 25, 2023.
Tragically, Sergeant Modika passed away on November 23, just two days before the conviction was secured. Her sudden death has left a void in the Ekurhuleni District police force, but her legacy of commitment to justice lives on. Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the SAPS Ekurhuleni district communications officer, expressed deep appreciation for Modika’s dedication, stating that the late officer’s work would never be forgotten. “Her commitment to safeguarding the economy and well-being of citizens was unparalleled,” Sekgobela said, underscoring the importance of the investigation and the lasting impact Modika had on her community.
Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole also paid tribute to Sergeant Modika’s professionalism and diligence. Sithole praised the swift response by police officers and the effectiveness of the investigation that led to the conviction of the three suspects. The posthumous recognition of Modika’s work highlights the role that law enforcement plays in combating infrastructure-related crimes that have far-reaching consequences for society.
The conviction of Rakabaele, Mashabela, and Khoza serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from criminal activities. Copper cable theft has become a growing problem in South Africa, with thieves targeting essential services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications. The damage caused by such crimes is not only financially costly but can also disrupt public services, affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. In this context, the work of officers like Sergeant Modika is vital in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
While the sentencing of the three individuals brings some measure of justice to the case, the loss of Sergeant Modika is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in their efforts to keep communities safe. As the country continues to battle the scourge of infrastructure theft, it is clear that the dedication of individuals like Modika will remain a cornerstone of the fight against such crimes. Her passing leaves a lasting legacy in the Ekurhuleni District, and her contributions will not be forgotten by those who knew her or by the communities she served.
