Scrap dealer on trial for alleged vandalism of state infrastructure

A Bulawayo scrap metal dealer is in court for allegedly vandalising infrastructure belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), National Railways of Zimbabwe and TelOne valued at more than US$2 000.

The trial began on Thursday with State witnesses giving evidence.

Chido Majaya (29) employed by Pandam Mining and Exploration Private Limited as scrap dealer agent pleaded not guilty when she appeared before Western Commonage Regional magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Marondedze.

The matter was remanded to Wednesday for continuation of trial.

Prosecutor, Mr Milton Moyo told the court that Majaya was found in possession of four locomotive electrical components,property of NRZ, 45,5kgs of telecommunications copper owned by TelOne and 84,5kgs of copper cables from ZETDC.

He told the court that the offence was discovered on February 9 this year by a team of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit.

The team had been deployed to address the vandalism of state utilities, including the NRZ and TelOne.

“On that date, the detectives visited a site owned by Chido Majaya. The detectives introduced themselves to Majaya and informed her of their mission,” said Mr Moyo.

“When the detectives were at 15282 Iron Close Kelvin west Bulawayo, a company premise where Pandam Mining and Exploration Private Limited operates from, they saw a Tata Truck being loaded while parked in the premises,” he said.

“Majaya introduced herself as the manager of Pandam Mining and Exploration Private Limited Zimbabwe a company, which is licensed to deal in copper scrap.

“Majaya then produced a copper dealer licence for the company, a letter of resolution that reflected that she was a duly authorised agent for the company and her personal affidavit that reflect that she was authorised to buy scrap copper for the company excluding ZETDC, NRZ and TelOne cables,” said Mr Moyo.

The court heard that Majaya indicated to the detectives that the truck that was parked in the yard was her company property and six-tonne bags that were loaded in the vehicle belonged to the company.

He explained that the detectives requested permission to conduct searches on the premises, which Majaya consented to.

“The vehicle was searched and six tonne bags that were loaded in the load box of the truck were found. The detectives discovered that all the bags were loaded with assorted scrap copper,” said the prosecutor.

“Detectives then invited NRZ engineer who then positively identified four electrical locomotives components as property of NRZ. Majaya was asked to produce a permit allowing her to possess NRZ property and she failed,” said Mr Moyo.

The court heard that TelOne representatives were invited for identification and positively identified telecommunication copper cables used in transmission of communication signals to TelOne clients.

The cables were taken to Zimpost Bulawayo for weighing in the presence of Majaya and it weighed 45,5kgs.

“Detectives then invited a ZETDC representative for identification. The ZETDC engineer positively identified copper cables used in the transmission and distribution of electricity and the cables were taken to Zimpost Bulawayo for weighing in the presence of Majaya and it weighed 84,5kgs.

One of the engineers from NRZ, who testified in court, stated that he identified four locomotive traction motors, which are used for powering locomotives valued at approximately US$1 000.

In her defence Majaya said that she never possessed the copper and was no way near the area being mentioned at that time.