Second accused in Tshwane transformer theft denies involvement, says device was old
Three City of Tshwane officials were arrested this week in connection with the theft of the R7-million transformer that was taken from a Laudium substation.
Three Tshwane municipality workers accused of stealing a R7 million transformer appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The second accused in the transformer theft denies being involved, saying the device was old and disused.
Three City of Tshwane officials were arrested this week in connection with the theft of the R7 million transformer that was taken from a Laudium substation.
Thomas Baloyi and his two co-accused appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Friday.
READ: Suspect in City of Tshwane transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty
Baloyi told the court he could prove he was not involved in the crime and wanted to be released on bail.
Advocate Siyabulela Pendani read a statement from his client.
"The transformer that is said that I have tampered with is a 1976 transformer, which is disused and was discarded. I will prove to the court that I have never tampered or seek to steal essential infrastructure, and I was on duty on the said day as an employee of the City of Tshwane."