Security guards in custody over theft of solar panels

Paidamoyo Bore

TWO security guards have been remanded in custody on allegations of stealing solar panels worth over US$3 000.

Clayton Kamudyariwa ( 31) and Noel Adwell (32) appeared before Harare magistrate, Simon Kandiyero, charged with theft.

They will be back in court today for a bail hearing.

Premier Service Medical Investment (PSMI) is the complaint.

Allegations are that on August 7, the accused who are security guards at PSMI, reported for night duty around 6pm.

The following morning, the duo called Farai Matsi, the PSMI loss control supervisor, telling him that 15×450 watts panels were missing from the company premises.

Matsi dashed to the premises and found the solar panels missing.

The security guards were questioned about the solar panels and failed to give satisfactory answers leading to their arrest.

In court, the two denied the allegations.

“It is true when we arrived at the premises, the solar panels were there.

“When we were doing our daily routine of checking the premises, around 3am, we saw about four intruders next to where the panels were planted.

“One of the intruders was holding a weapon, which I could not identify, since it was a bit dark.

“We then fled because we feared for our lives.

“We hid in the main offices and made phone calls to Matsi, who then came to the scene,” narrated Kamudyariwa.

The stolen property is worth US$3 375 and nothing was recovered.

Faith Mavhudzi appeared for the State.