Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A Harare man appeared in court over the weekend after he allegedly tampered with electrical cables at Harare City Sports Hall, causing a power outage.
Elisha Manyange (24), appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act.
He was remanded in custody pending his bail application.
Prosecutor Mr Loveti Muringwa alleged that on June 26 at around 10am, Manyange unlawfully gained access to the ceiling of Harare City Sports Hall, where he allegedly cut four 2.5mm electrical cables supplying power to the facility.
The court heard that the alleged tampering immediately disrupted electricity supply to the sports hall, plunging the facility into darkness and producing a loud bursting sound.
According to the State, the complainant, Harare City Council employee Mr Blessing Chabuka, was waiting for colleagues to carry out electrical repairs when he allegedly noticed Manyange jumping down from the ceiling.
Suspecting foul play, Chabuka apprehended Manyange and escorted him back to the scene, where he allegedly discovered the cut cables hanging from the ceiling and interfering with the transmission of electricity.
Police were called to the scene and allegedly confirmed the damage before arresting Manyange.
The damaged cables are valued at US$100.
The State alleges that Manyange had no lawful authority to interfere with the electrical installation.
The matter is pending.
