Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
FOUR men who were in the habit of stealing copper windings from transformers and armoured cables have been jailed for a total of 120 years by a Mutoko magistrate.
Anderson Takawira (30), Isaac Vheremu aged (38), Trymore Bona (30) and Archford Chiyangwa (25), who were facing charges under the Electricity Act Chapter 13:19, which prohibits cutting, injuring or damaging apparatus used for distributing or transmitting electricity.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said, “Investigations revealed that, January 28 2025, the four connived to steal copper windings from transformers at Mushimbo and Rukau Business Centres in Mutoko, respectively. They damaged two 100kV ZETDC transformers and stole about 6 meters of armoured 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 villagers quickly alerted the police, who swiftly mounted a police roadblock, which subsequently led to their arrest.
They appeared before Magistrate Ms Caroline Matanga at Mutoko Magistrate’s Court, where they were sentenced to 30 years in prison each, with five years suspended on condition of restituting the damaged State property and another five years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
They will each serve an effective jail term of 20 years.
Detective Insp Muteweri said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to applaud the judiciary for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime. 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.”
Online Reporter