Jabulile Mbatha 11 July 2025 | 15:39

R7 million transformer theft 5th suspect remains in custody as co-accused gets bail

Katlego Molepo appeared before the court on Friday and will be back behind bars this evening after his bail bid failed as a result of an undisclosed previous conviction.

R7 million transformer theft 5th suspect remains in custody as co-accused gets bail

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 - One of the men accused of stealing a R7 million transformer at the Laudium sub-station north of Pretoria has been denied bail by the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court.

Katlego Molepo appeared before the court on Friday and will be back behind bars this evening after his bail bid failed as a result of an undisclosed previous conviction.

Molepo is the only one who was denied bail out of five accused suspects in the matter.

The transformer was stolen last November, causing a strain on the electricity supply in the area.

Three of the suspects, who are municipal workers, were granted bail last week they also appeared in court today for Katlego Molepo’s bail outcome.  

Last week, Siphiwe Mahlangu received R35,000 bail while Thomas Baloyi and Daniel Kubayi got R30,000 bail each.

The state did not oppose their bail applications, stating they were all first-time offenders.

Molepo was, however, not so lucky owing to a previous conviction.

He will remain behind bars at the Kgosi Mampuru prison until his next court appearance, while his other co-accused will return on 5th August.