PRETORIA – In a case that has shocked South Africa and Malawi, the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 59-year-old Malawian pastor, Mlotha Nelson Usale, to 10 years of direct imprisonment for Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing cell tower batteries and engaging in fraudulent activities.
The pastor, who also happens to be associated with God’s Chappel Church of Pastor Salanje, was convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and fraud.
His crimes included stealing cellphone tower batteries from Vodacom and MTN. His actions resulted in network disruptions and financial losses, and this Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing also faced three counts of fraud amounting to R150,000.
How a Malawi Pastor Orchestrated the Theft of Cell Tower Batteries
From 2021 to May 2022, this Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing was at the centre of a sophisticated syndicate targeting South Africa’s critical infrastructure. The operation involved stealing network batteries from towers owned by Vodacom and MTN, two of the country’s largest telecom providers. These batteries were crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service across South Africa.
Usale went to great lengths to disguise the stolen batteries. He altered their battery management systems to make them appear as legitimate commercial solar batteries.
Further, he had the casings resprayed to remove any identifying features of their origins. Once disguised, the batteries were marketed on social media platforms, listed as solar energy products sold under the business names SOLAR MART and SUN SHOP.
This elaborate operation helped the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing profit from unsuspecting customers, who believed they were purchasing authentic solar batteries.
The Fraud Scheme Behind the Stolen Batteries
The syndicate operated with a degree of efficiency that allowed it to continue for over a year. After each sale, Usale would use E-hailing services to deliver the stolen batteries to consumers across South Africa. By utilizing these anonymous delivery methods, the syndicate avoided direct contact with customers and stayed off the radar of law enforcement.
The downfall of this Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing came after a customer purchased one of these batteries, which malfunctioned shortly after installation. Suspicious of the product, the customer consulted a friend who recognized the battery as one used in network towers, not for commercial solar purposes. Realizing he had been duped, the customer reported the matter to the police.
Arrest and Sting Operation Leads to the Pastor’s Downfall
Once alerted, police quickly set up a sting operation targeting the syndicate. The investigation came to a head on May 5, 2022, when two of Usale’s accomplices, both Malawian nationals, were arrested. These individuals, who played an active role in the sale and theft of the batteries, were later convicted and sentenced to 8 years each in prison.
During interrogation, the accomplices revealed the location of a storage facility in Midrand, where 53 stolen batteries were recovered. This crucial piece of evidence linked the syndicate to the broader operation led by Usale, the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing.
A warrant was issued for Usale’s arrest. However, the pastor fled South Africa, returning to his native Malawi in an attempt to evade justice. Despite his efforts to avoid arrest, Usale was captured on January 25, 2024, at the Beitbridge border post while trying to re-enter South Africa. His attempts to skip the country once more were thwarted by law enforcement.
Courtroom Drama and Sentencing
In court, Usale admitted his involvement in the scheme. He pleaded guilty to all charges, including fraud and tampering with infrastructure. Hoping to receive a lighter sentence, Usale offered to pay a fine of R200,000 as restitution for his crimes. However, the state, represented by Advocate Tholoana Sekhonyana, rejected this offer.
Sekhonyana argued that the scale and seriousness of the crimes warranted a far stricter penalty. The stolen batteries disrupted essential network services, causing significant financial losses for Vodacom and MTN, who had to replace the stolen equipment and repair the damage. The prosecutor emphasized that a fine was inadequate for the scale of the crime committed by the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing.
Financial Losses for Victims
Beyond the harm done to Vodacom and MTN, innocent customers also suffered. Many consumers who unknowingly bought these stolen batteries lost large sums of money when authorities confiscated the stolen goods. Advocate Sekhonyana stressed that a mere financial penalty would not be enough to remedy the losses suffered by these victims.
Additionally, Sekhonyana pointed out that Usale’s decision to flee the country after committing the crimes demonstrated a clear lack of remorse. His willingness to pay a fine without offering to reimburse the victims directly also highlighted his disregard for the people affected by his fraudulent activities. For these reasons, the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing was given a sentence of direct imprisonment rather than a fine.
Magistrate Chulu’s Final Judgment
Magistrate Chulu echoed the prosecutor’s sentiments when delivering the final judgment. The magistrate emphasized the gravity of the crimes committed by Usale, particularly his tampering with essential infrastructure. Chulu remarked that Usale, though a guest in South Africa, had abused the country’s hospitality by engaging in such serious criminal activities.
Chulu rejected Usale’s offer to pay a fine, stating that doing so would send the wrong message to society. A direct prison sentence, the magistrate said, was necessary to deter future crimes of this nature and to demonstrate the importance of protecting South Africa’s essential services. The sentencing of the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing is a clear indication that the courts will take firm action against those who jeopardize public services and commit fraud.
Investigative Work Praised by the Director of Public Prosecutions
The Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit’s diligent work would not have prevented the conviction of the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, commended Sergeants Thabo Lukhele and Mokibelo Supe for their tireless efforts in leading the investigation. Their work was instrumental in dismantling the syndicate and securing justice for the victims.
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations when it comes to crimes that affect critical infrastructure. The dedication of law enforcement officers in this case demonstrates their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the public.
Conclusion
The case of the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing cellphone tower batteries is a cautionary tale of how criminal activities can have far-reaching consequences. By tampering with essential infrastructure, Mlotha Nelson Usale caused significant disruptions to network services, resulting in financial losses for both telecom providers and innocent customers. His conviction and sentencing to 10 years in prison is a clear indication of the seriousness with which South Africa’s justice system views such crimes.
As South Africa continues to face challenges in protecting its infrastructure from criminal activities, this case serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance. The successful prosecution of the Malawi Pastor Jailed for Stealing sends a strong message that those who threaten essential services will be held accountable for their actions. For law enforcement, consumers, and the courts, this case is a victory in the fight against fraud and infrastructure tampering.
