adminArron Nyamayaro
POLICE have commended members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest and conviction of public utility vandals in various places around the country.
Five men appeared before a Chivhu Regional Court where three were convicted and sentenced to 20 years.
Trymore Mhondiwa (25) of Mbare, Ignitious Nyabonda (28) from Epworth and Willie Mariba (32) from Rimuka, Kadoma, were each convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Loyd Jesinias Gwati (31) and Vitalis Mangwayana (27), both from Epworth, pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody for continuation of trial.
In a statement, police Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson, Detective Assistant Inspector Rachael Muteweri, warned people over theft and vandalism of public infrastructure.
Det Asst Insp Muteweri urged people to continue joining hands with the police in safeguarding national property.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Chivhu arrested five accused persons for theft and vandalism of ZESA transformers,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
“On February 2, 2022, the five accused persons hatched a plan and proceeded to Sadza area where they vandalised two ZESA transformers at two local schools and stole copper windings. As the accused persons carried out their shenanigans, they were under the watchful eyes of vigilant members of the public who quickly alerted police.
“Police officers reacted swiftly and intercepted the accused persons at a roadblock leading to their arrest.
“The transformer copper windings were subsequently recovered,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said John Tamanikwa (27), of Silver Queen Farm, Marondera, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Marondera Regional Court for theft of copper cables at a farm in the area.
Online Reporter