Suspected $280 000 copper thieves released on bail

EIGHT men accused of stealing 60 metres of armoured copper cable worth over US$280 000 from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Richmond substation have been granted bail.

Ronald Moyo (32), Qhubekani Nyathi (28), Kudakwashe Ndlovu, Eddie Mishiri Dube (20), Tafadzwa Ncube (18), Sydney Moyo (22), Prince Ntonga (35), and Simon Chamhudze (36) appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza, facing charges of contravening a section of the Electricity Act. They were each granted ZWG6 000 bail and remanded to February 12.

They are being represented by Mr Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers

The prosecutor Mr Dominic Moyo, said the accused broke into the ZETDC Glenville substation in Richmond suburb at around 8pm on January 25. They allegedly used a ladder to gain entry before employing a hacksaw and bolt cutter to cut the cables.

“Once inside, they used a hacksaw and bolt cutter to remove 60 metres of 185mm-squared, three-core armoured copper cable, which was used to distribute electricity to Richmond suburb,” said Mr Moyo.

The case came to light when Ntonga and Chamhudze were caught with 92kg of copper, leading to an additional charge of possessing copper cables without a licence. Their arrest led to a full scale investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the other accused persons.

Police later discovered burnt armoured copper cables inside a Toyota Hilux driven by Ntonga and Chamhudze. A ZETDC engineer confirmed that the stolen cables were essential for electricity distribution.

The total value of the stolen and burnt cables was US$283 000. Upon their arrests, police recovered overhead copper cables, a makeshift ladder, bolt cutter and Toyota Hilux used in the alleged crime.