Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
SIX men convicted of stealing electricity armoured cables in separate incidents that caused power outages have been sentenced to a combined 60 years in prison.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has commended the public for assisting law enforcement agencies in combating crime and protecting critical infrastructure.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri warned against vandalism of public utilities, saying such offences undermine national development.
She confirmed the arrest and successful prosecution of Cloudious Sikelo (27) of Trojan Mine, Bindura, Forster Tsvekese Kamhaka (28) of Chiwaridzo, Bindura, and Bradwell Chakanyuka (21) of Musasa Close, Chipadze, Bindura, for contravening the Electricity Act.
“On July 25, 2026, the three went to House Number 2787 Aerodrome, Bindura, where they cut and stole 24 metres of armoured cable connecting a transformer to an electricity line.
“They were intercepted by neighbours who mobilised themselves and apprehended one of the accused persons while the others fled. The suspect was handed over to the police,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said detectives from the CID Flora and Fauna Unit conducted further investigations, leading to the arrest of the two remaining suspects.
The stolen 24 metres of armoured cable was not recovered.
On September 9, the trio appeared before Bindura Provincial Magistrate Mr Felix Chauromwe and were each sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison.
In a separate incident, Wonderful Magwaza (27) of Revere Village under Chief Makopa in Chiweshe, Tinashe Ashley Chimudzo (21) of Maneki Village under Chief Chipuriro in Guruve, and Trust Phiri (36) of Sojin, Chipadze, Bindura, were arrested for a similar offence.
On September 6, the three allegedly cut six metres of armoured cable at the Old GMB Depot in Mapunga, Bindura.
They were spotted by a security guard conducting routine perimeter checks and fled from the scene.
The guard alerted his colleagues and notified the police, who swiftly responded and arrested the suspects after a chase.
Police recovered a grinder, hacksaw, knife and six metres of armoured cable from the suspects.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Fraize Nassasara, who allegedly bought stolen armoured cables without the requisite permit.
A search at his residence resulted in the recovery of 11,35 kilogrammes of copper cables, which he allegedly failed to account for.
On September 9, Magwaza and Chimudzo appeared before Bindura Magistrate Ms Charity Maunga and were each sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison.
Phiri denied the charges and his case was remanded to September 14 for trial.
Nassasara, who is facing separate charges of receiving stolen copper cables, appeared before Bindura Regional Magistrate Ms Winfielder Tiatara and was remanded to September 11.
