Chronicle Editor
Copper cable theft has emerged as a significant problem in Zimbabwe, posing a serious threat to economic development. This illicit activity disrupts essential infrastructure and poses considerable safety risks to communities.
This is why yesterday we carried a story on the scrap metal industry which has been identified as a niche market for stolen copper cables in the country. As our story explained, fears abound that the criminal masterminds may be working in cahoots with employees of targeted organisations such as the National Railways of Zimbabwe, telecommunications companies and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), the largest users of copper cables.
Said Minister of Energy and Power Development, Cde Edgar Moyo: “This is a serious criminal activity that we are seized with as Government, police and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
“They (the scrap metal industry) must stop buying the stolen copper cables or risk being arrested.”
In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of copper cable theft across the country. For instance, in April, five individuals were apprehended by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Kadoma in connection with the theft of copper cables at Zimplats’ Mupfuti Mine in Mhondoro Ngezi. The stolen copper cables weighed 2.5 tonnes and were valued at US$48,3601.
The theft of copper cables has far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s economy. The country’s economic development continues to be hampered by several challenges. Real GDP is estimated to have grown by 5.5 percent in 2023, after a 6.5 percent growth in 2022, due to an expansion in agriculture, mining, and remittances-induced services growth. However, macro-economic volatility fuelled by drought and illegal economic sanctions keeps hurting the economy.
Copper cable theft exacerbates these challenges by disrupting essential services and infrastructure. It leads to power outages, which in turn affect businesses and industries that rely on a stable power supply. This can result in reduced productivity and economic output.
In response to the growing menace, the Zimbabwean Government has introduced stringent penalties for copper cable theft. The law stipulates that any person who unlawfully tampers with, damages, or destroys utilities through the theft of copper cables shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for a period not less than 10 years without the option of a fine.
While the Government’s efforts to curb copper cable theft are commendable, it is clear that more needs to be done. Stakeholders must collaborate to address this issue, including improving security measures, raising public awareness and enhancing law enforcement efforts. Only then can Zimbabwe fully realise its economic potential and ensure sustainable development for all its citizens.
Online Reporter