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Michelle Gwizi, Court Reporter
TWO men from Bulawayo have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing Zesa copper cables in Woodville Park, Bulawayo.
Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Adelaide Mbeure convicted Maxwell Banda (20) and Mduduzi Chirwa (20) on their own plea of guilty to cutting, damaging or interfering with any apparatus or material made for generation or supply of electricity.
The duo is not employed.
“In passing the sentence, the court considers that accused persons are first offenders. They pleaded guilty to the charge, therefore did not waste the court’s time. Accused one is a father to an eight month old child, accused two is a family man. However, the offence attracts a custodial sentence. You planned for it and connived to commit it. You will each be sentenced to 10 years in prison,” said Mrs Mbeure.
Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said the two were arrested after police got information that they were dealing in copper.
“Between September 29 and 30 this year, Banda and Chirwa connived with Cosmos Sibanda, who is still at large, to steal Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company overhead copper conductors.
“During the night the two thieves went to a power line in Woodville Park and cut three spans of overhead copper conductors, property of the ZETDC, contrary to the provisions of the law,” said the prosecutor.
The court heard that on November 7 at around 4AM, police conducted a raid at Mahatshula North where the copper thieves were hiding.
The court heard the duo tried to escape through the roof but were subdued and arrested.
They led the police to where the cables were kept and they were recovered. They further led the police to the scene of crime where they made indications.
The prosecutor said the cables were worth $1 875. — @gwizi_n
Online Reporter