Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A NUMBER of criminals, who have been targeting critical infrastructure, have been arrested in recent months, as part of a police crackdown, and are now serving various jail terms.
Police say the actions of these criminals threaten essential service delivery, economic development and public safety.
On May 30, Admire Dube (29) and Clive Muzuru (28), both of Old Lobengula, Bulawayo, were arrested for damaging and stealing telecommunication infrastructure.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the CID spokesperson, said the duo went to Luveve 4 high-density suburb where they allegedly stole 100 metres of 5mm copper drop-wire telecommunication cables.
She said the suspects then transported the cables to a bushy area in Njube, where they allegedly burnt and deformed the copper into scrap for resale.
“Vigilant members of the public filed a police report after noticing that the cables were missing,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
“Detectives from CID MFFU Bulawayo tracked down and arrested the suspects while they were packing the burnt and deformed copper cables into a satchel.”
The two appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates Court on June 11, where Magistrate Clive Maturure presided.
The State was represented by Melisa Dube.
Det-Insp Muteweri added that the accused were convicted and each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
In a separate development, Andrew Mupakurirwa (24) was on June 15 convicted and sentenced to an effective 10-year jail term by the Marondera Regional Court for contravening provisions of the Water Act.
Det-Insp Muteweri said that on June 9, at about 2300 hours, Mupakurirwa, acting in connivance with Bhekimuzi Ndebele (28), arrived at Chipesa Farm, Igava, Marondera, where they stole two complete submersible water pumps and a 450-watt solar panel.
She said the suspects’ criminal activities came to light after CID MFFU Marondera received information that the accused were selling suspected stolen property. Detectives reacted swiftly to the information, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Magistrate Shelly Zvenyika presided over the matter while Terrence Zenda appeared for the State.
The case is still pending.
“In a related case, Silent Mushambi (21) was on June 18, 2026 sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while his accomplices—Knowledge Choruma (23), Takunda Mukwambo (26) and Allen Chirenga (26)—were remanded in custody to July 2, 2026 for continuation of the trial at the Harare Magistrates Court,” Det-Insp Muteweri said.
She said the conviction followed arrests made on April 23, after detectives from CID MFFU Harare, conducting surveillance in the Waterfalls area, received information that the suspects were digging up underground cables.
She said upon realising they had been detected, the suspects allegedly fled, leading to a pursuit and the eventual arrest of Mushambi.
The stolen cables and tools used in the offence were recovered.
Det-Insp Muteweri said Tapiwa Murizani (26) was convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on June 15 by Magistrate Maganya at the Kadoma Magistrates Court after he was arrested for being found in possession of copper cables without a valid licence.
Nomore Chari (32) was on June 16, 2026, convicted and sentenced at the Chitungwiza Magistrates Court for being found in possession of armoured cable without a valid licence.
