Alleged buyer of stolen transformer collapses in court after being denied bail

Katlego Molepo and four Tshwane municipal officials are charged in connection with the theft of the transformer from a power station in Laudium.

The man believed to be the potential buyer of a stolen R7 million transformer collapsed in court after being denied bail for a second time.

Court officials called an ambulance to attend to the man who started hyperventilating after learning his fate.

Katlego Molepo and four Tshwane municipal officials are charged in connection with the theft of the transformer from a power station in Laudium.

Magistrate Anita Johnson denied the media permission to broadcast proceedings.

Molepo’s new attorney, Keniel Muthray, argued that his client did not know the transformer was stolen.

He also argued that the sale of the transformer happened at an auction in the presence of city employees, which made it seem legitimate.

The State argued that the facts presented by the accused are not new and, therefore, they opposed bail, adding that the accused has a previous conviction.

Molepo fell to the ground, weeping and shaking, as the magistrate announced the decision.

Family members from the gallery rushed to him, removed his jacket and assisted him with breathing exercises, while officials called for medical assistance.