A 28-year-old Mozambican national, Calisto Vilanculos was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Calcutta Magistrate’s Court on charges of tampering with infrastructure, theft and fraud. His case was also tranferred to the Mhala Regional Court for a formal bail application on the 12th of August, 2021. The suspect was arrested during a disruptive operation by members of Mpumalanga based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and the Germiston CPI private investigators on Monday, the 2^nd of August 2021.

It is alleged that in June 2018, Vodacom tower batteries were stolen from the Calcutta power station and were later recovered in a vehicle in Marite Trust. The vehicle owner could not be located at the time. A case of tempering with infrastructure and theft was opened and it was transferred to the Hawks for further probe. During the investigation, the suspect was linked to the incident and the matter was brought before court for decision. A warrant of arrest was issued against him.

The information was received about his whereabouts at his hiding place in Germiston, Gauteng province. The team proceeded to the identified address and the suspect was apprehended. During the search, a gas bottle, cash, container keys and cutting welding pipes with gauges which is allegedly used to cut the tower containers were confiscated. The investigation continues.