adminTimoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
FOUR copper thieves from Zvishavane yesterday started serving a combined 40-year prison term after they were convicted of stealing 450 metres of copper wire from Zesa worth $270,000.
Brighton Mabweazara, 35, George Mawata, 26, Cain Mandyokwa, 40, and Simbarashe Jonasi, 30, were convicted on their own plea by Zvishavane magistrate, Story Rushambwa.
She sentenced each to ten years in prison.
Prosecuting Shellah Mupindu told the court that on October 28 last year, police in Zvishavane received a tip-off from members of the public to the effect that there were some illegal copper wire dealings which were about to take place at Nill suburb just behind Shabane Mine.
She said a police detective communicated with the four men masquerading as a potential buyer.
Mupindu said the detective and the gang agreed on the time and place of meeting for the transaction.
“The quartet arrived at around 11PM and chopped one of the poles after switching off electricity before cutting 450 metres of copper wire which weighed about 524 kilogrammes,” she said.
Mupindu said the gang called their buyer so that they could conclude the deal.
She said the four were arrested while weighing the cables.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter