Cables thieves attack cop

after they were allegedly caught stealing a 22-metre long Zesa Holdings copper cable in Budiriro 5.
Police arrested one of the suspects at the scene while the other fled.
The arrested man helped police to apprehend four others suspected to be part of the syndicate.
They have been identified as Tendai Kanhukamwe, Irvin Mupandi, Alan Mutize (the buyer), Simon Gomwe and one Chamu.
The incident occurred in a bushy area of Budiriro 5 when three policemen confronted the duo.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau yesterday said they had recovered about 600kg of copper cables and the 22-metre long cable.
“The five suspects, including the buyer, are in police custody and assisting with investigations,” said Insp Sabau.
Some of the cables were reportedly found hidden underground at Gomwe’s house in Glen View 1.
It is alleged that three policemen on patrol came across two of the suspects who were digging up the 22-metre long cable in Budiriro.
After being confronted, it is alleged, the duo resisted arrest and one of them pummeled a cop with a shovel.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said: “The suspects were in the habit of stealing copper cables and transformer oil. They are still assisting with investigations.”
He said in February alone their loss control officers arrested 22 people countrywide for vandalism and cables theft.
“During this period we recovered a total of 2 635kg of copper cables worth over US$20 000,” he said.
He said the transformer oil was mostly used as a substitute for diesel while copper cables were exported to South Africa, en route to China and Malaysia. In November last year, Government said people who vandalise or were found in possession of State power and communication equipment will be jailed for at least 10 years, lose their property and be liable to pre-trial imprisonment among other stern measures.
The regulations require a police clearance certificate for transportation of power, communication, broadcasting and water equipment.