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Trish Mukwazo, Bulawayo Bureau
AN eight-man syndicate from Bulawayo appeared in court on Thursday, charged with violating the Electricity Act after allegedly stealing 60 metres of armoured copper cable, valued at US$283 000, from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Richmond substation.
The accused — Ronald Moyo (32), Qhubekani Nyathi (28), Kudakwashe Ndlovu, Eddie Mishiri Dube (20), Tafadzwa Ncube (18), Sydney Moyo (22), Prince Ntonga (35), and Simon Chamhudze (36) — were represented by Mr Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers.
According to prosecutor Mr Dominic Moyo, the eight men broke into the ZETDC Glenville substation in Richmond suburb at around 8pm on 25 January, using a ladder, hacksaw, and bolt cutter to cut the cables.
“Once inside, they used a hacksaw and bolt cutter to remove 60 metres of 185mm-squared, three-core armoured copper cable, which was used to distribute electricity to Richmond suburb,” Mr Moyo explained.
The investigation began when Ntonga and Chamhudze were apprehended with 92kg of copper, leading to a separate charge of possessing copper cables without a licence.
Their arrest uncovered the larger theft, and police subsequently discovered burnt armoured copper cables in a Toyota Hilux driven by Ntonga and Chamhudze.
A ZETDC engineer confirmed that the stolen cables were essential infrastructure for electricity distribution.
The total value of the stolen and burnt cables was estimated at US$283 000.
Police recovered overhead copper cables, a makeshift ladder, a bolt cutter, and the Toyota Hilux used in the crime.
Mr Moyo opposed bail, arguing that the suspects were likely to interfere with state witnesses.
The eight men were remanded in custody until Tuesday for their bail ruling
Online Reporter