Man jailed 10-years for stealing US$97 railway cables

The man, who had been robbed of his vehicle, cash, and valuables by a three-member gang, recognised one of the culprits, resulting in justice being served

Zimpapers Reporter

A Zvishavane man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was found in possession of National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) signal cables valued at just US$97.50, in a case that highlights the stiff penalties courts are imposing for crimes involving critical public infrastructure.

Clever Mudakuenda was convicted by a Zvishavane magistrate following his arrest in May after authorities discovered 36 metres of two-core signal copper cables at his homestead in Mukwakwe Village under Chief Wedza.

According to the NRZ, the cables were worth US$97.50, but the offence attracted a decade-long custodial sentence, underscoring the seriousness with which the justice system views the theft and possession of railway infrastructure.

The rail operator said the conviction should serve as a warning to members of the public against tampering with or possessing railway equipment.

“NRZ would like to warn the public against tampering with and possessing its equipment as this might result in heavy prison sentences despite the value of the property involved,” the organisation said in a statement.