Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
A HARARE security guard, Obey Katerere (46), has been denied bail after allegedly stealing 12 metres of underground copper cable from TelOne.
Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa ruled that Katerere was not a suitable candidate for bail and remanded him in custody until May 7, when a trial date is expected to be set.
Katerere faces charges under the Postal and Telecommunications Act.
Prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti said on April 6 at around 4am, Katerere allegedly approached a TelOne power line near the Marimba Grain Marketing Board in Harare.
Armed with a pickaxe and a hacksaw, he reportedly dug up and cut the cable.
After severing the cable, Katerere is accused of rolling it up and hiding it in nearby bushes approximately 50 metres away.
A vigilant resident witnessed the incident and alerted the police, who responded swiftly.
Officers from ZRP Marimba apprehended Katerere at the scene, recovering the stolen cable along with the tools he used: a pickaxe, a hacksaw, and a catapult.
The stolen cable, valued at US$1 200, was positively identified by TelOne as their property. TelOne is a licensed telecommunications service provider in Zimbabwe.
