After being found in possession of several train parts, Athenkosi Mlonyeni, 26, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Johannesburg magistrate’s court, this according to IOL.
Lieutenant Colonel Mbele, a police spokesperson in central Johannesburg, said Mlonyeni was discovered with train components worth R50 000.
“On November 11, 2022, Atenkosi Mlonyeni, a 26-year-old male, was found guilty of possessing rail line stolen goods and convicted to 15 years in jail in the Johannesburg magistrate court.” In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” Mbele said in a statement.
“On the 15th of May 2022 at 1pm, the accused was apprehended at Braamfontein train station, corner Carr and Central Road.” Prasa security guards were patrolling the train yard when they noticed the accused.
“They pulled him over and searched him, recovering train door valves with coils and six door-reducing valves worth approximately R50 000.”
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Mbele went on to say that Mlonyeni’s conviction was the result of a thorough investigation spearheaded by Detective Sergeant Nyabela Collins Molepo of Johannesburg Central.
“We hope that this sentence will deter would-be offenders from damaging trains,” Mbele said.