Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
A Harare suspected copper cable thief has been arrested on allegations of making a false report to the police after alleging that he had lost his vehicle to robbers when in fact he had dumped it during a high speed chase.
Justice Gombera (34) was one of the suspects that had been involved in a high speed chase with the police in Warren Park D where he dumped the car, leading to the recovery of more than 250 metres of copper cables.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri has since confirmed the arrest of Tedius Kadzere aged 32 and Justice Gombera.
“A team of police officers conducting a mobile patrol observed a suspicious vehicle. They signalled it to stop, however, the occupants, driving a Mercedes Benz Atego registration number AFK 4005, failed to comply and sped off.
“A chase ensued until they reached Warren Park D, Harare where the suspects abandoned the car and fled on foot. Upon search, two underground copper cables measuring 234 and 23 metres respectively were recovered,” she said.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Gombera who had apparently made a false report at a local police station, alleging that the car was stolen during a robbery.
He further led the detectives to the arrest of Kadzere.
Gombera is now facing charges for deliberately supplying false information to the police while Kadzere is now facing four counts of vandalism of public utilities and infrastructure.
They appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court where Gombera was granted bail and remanded to July 15, 2025 for trial while Kadzere was remanded in custody.
Police are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of other outstanding suspects only known as Jowa, Taku and two other unidentified accomplices.
Members of the public have since been warned against vandalising public utilities and infrastructure as such acts impacts negatively on the country’s economy.
Peter Tanyanyiwa