THE FACES OF THUGS WHO VANDALISED ZESA TRANSFORMERS

Latwell Nyangu

THESE are the faces of five men who have been arrested for vandalising ZESA transformers in schools in Mutoko.

Police have recovered 60 kilogrammes of copper windings. The suspects have been committing the crimes since last year.

The group vandalised a transformer on Thursday last week.

In a statement, National Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said:

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Phillip Chitawa (43), Steven Nyakabau (31), Patson Gurupira (28), Clayton Nyakatonje (24) and Marry Ngono (33) for vandalism of a 100 KW ZETDC transformer at Mazezuru Secondary School, Mudzi, Mutoko on January 23.

“The arrest led to the recovery of 60 kilogrammes of copper windings, two bolt cutters, a shifting spanner, two kitchen knives, and the suspects’ getaway car, a Toyota Chaser, registration number ADD 1539.

“The suspects are also linked to a case of vandalism of a ZETDC transformer, which occurred at Chingwena Secondary School, Nyamapanda in December 2024.”

Meanwhile, a suspected drug dealer, who allegedly deals in cocaine in the Ushewokunze area of the capital, was nabbed over the weekend and dragged to court.

Tatenda Rusere was found in possession of 23 grams of cocaine after a tip-off had been made to police by neighbours. He is back in court today for bail considerations.

Prosecutor Tinotenda Masimba alleged that on January 24, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics, Harare, received information that Rusere was in possession of cocaine and he was supplying the drugs in the capital.

The detectives called Rusere purporting to be potential buyers.

He advised detectives to come to Ushewekunze Chigwende area.

The detectives went there and met Rusere along Rosemary Road.

The detectives blocked his vehicle and introduced themselves.

Rusere was holding a plastic bag in his left hand and detectives quickly seized the plastic bag which contained white substances suspected to be cocaine.

A body search was conducted on him leading to the seizure of one transparent plastic of suspected cocaine from his left pocket.

Further searches were conducted in Rusere’s  vehicle, one black digital scale and several plastic packages were recovered.

A field test was carried out on the seized drugs using Mobilab field test kits in the presence of Rusere and it tested positive to cocaine.