LOCAL electricity distributor Centlec ELtd has confirmed a disturbing incident in which one of its employees was shot while responding to a callout in the Roodewal area in Bloemfontein.
The incident occurred on 10 November when Ricardo Willemse, a technician, was allegedly attacked by an unknown person.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
The case, registered under case number 143/11/2024 at the Bloemspruit Police Station, is under active investigation.
Centlec says it is cooperating fully with law-enforcement authorities and has called for the swift apprehension of the perpetrator.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and urge the public to respect the work of essential service in order to deliver services to the community of Mangaung,” Centlec spokesperson Lele Mamatu said.
The company assured that Willemse was receiving all necessary support during his recovery and reiterated its commitment to employee safety.
“The safety of our employees remains our top priority,” Mamatu said.
“We have implemented measures to ensure their well-being, including assigning armed response personnel to accompany technicians on standby duty since the beginning of the year.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Centlec has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of six individuals involved in the theft and damage of critical infrastructure in Dewetsdorp.
The Bloemfontein High Court handed down sentences on 19 November, following a series of incidents that began in October 2021.
The criminals were involved in cutting transformer poles and stealing copper cables from a local wastewater treatment plant, causing damages estimated at R210 000 and disruptions to water services.
After a thorough investigation by Centlec’s security services and the South African Police Service (SAPS), seven suspects were apprehended, five of whom were found to be in the country illegally.
Six individuals – Moleleki Lebusho (22), Thabang Molelu (28), Ramokoatsi Raleting (18), Tshweute Raleting (27), Mokotla Raleting (29) and Thabo Mokhethi (25) – were convicted on charges of theft, damage to essential infrastructure and, for some, illegal immigration.
Each received 15 years for damage to infrastructure, 15 years for theft and two months for illegal immigration.
One suspect was acquitted.
“We are pleased with the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused,” Mamatu said.
“We hope that the sentence meted out by the Bloemfontein High Court will send out a strong message to those who continue to damage essential infrastructure.”