Limpopo Mirror
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Couple arrested for alleged cable theft at Elim hospital

Dispute over stolen cable leads to arrest

By Thembi Siaga • 13 February 2026
Couple arrested for alleged cable theft at Elim hospital

Two individuals were arrested for allegedly stealing 20 meters of electrical cable from Elim Hospital's doctors' residences, disrupting services. One suspect reportedly alerted security after a dispute over the theft. They appeared in court and face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure.

Waterval police have arrested Prince Ramugadi (29) and Maira Vhekani (24) for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure at Elim Hospital. The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 February, at the doctors’ residences. The suspects were brought to police by hospital security.

Police spokesperson Capt Vuledzani Dathi said the pair allegedly stole electrical cables from the residences. “It is alleged that the two suspects stole electrical cables from the doctors’ residential houses at Elim Hospital. They were later brought to the police by hospital security and charged with tampering with essential infrastructure,” said Dathi.

It is alleged that Ramugadi is from Madombidzha. Vhekani is originally from Tzaneen and currently resides in Ha-Maila village. It is further alleged that Vhekani alerted security after a fight broke out between her and Ramugadi following the alleged theft and sale of the cables.

Both suspects appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 February.

Ms Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (Limpopo Division), said the matter was postponed to 19 February for a bail application.

The stolen cable was about 20 metres long, and some hospital services were disrupted following the alleged theft.

Police investigations are ongoing.

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