Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
FOUR men have been jailed for 30 years for vandalising power cables.
Anderson Takawira, 30, Isaac Vheremu, 38, Trymore Bona, 30, and Archford Chiyangwa, 25, were convicted by a Mutoko Magistrate, Caroline Matanga.
They were convicted for damaging equipment used for distributing or transmitting electricity.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is pleased to announce the recent conviction and sentencing of four people,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
“Investigations revealed that on January 28, 2025, the four connived to steal copper windings from transformers at Mushimbo and Rukau Business Centers in Mutoko.
“They damaged two 100kv ZETDC transformers and stole about six meters of armored cables.
“Alert villagers heard a loud sound caused by the falling transformer and went out to investigate.
“Upon discovering that they had been noticed, the four fled from the scene, got into their getaway car and drove away.
“The vigilant villagers quickly alerted the police who swiftly mounted a police roadblock, which subsequently led to the arrest of the four.”
She added:
“They appeared before Magistrate Ms Caroline Matanga at Mutoko Magistrate Court where they were sentenced to 30 years imprisonment each with five years suspended on condition of restituting damaged State property and another five years suspended on condition of good behaviour.
“The will each serve an effective jail term of 20 years.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the lives and property of the people amongst other duties as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.
“We would like to assure the nation that those who engage in such destructive activities will be brought to justice.”
