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BULAWAYO, July 8, 2024 – In a swift response to reports of copper cable theft, the Bulawayo police have arrested one suspect and are pursuing two others who fled the scene, according to a media statement released by the provincial spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube.
The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, at around 4:45 pm, when the CID Homicide Bulawayo unit received information about the suspects stealing copper cables from a ZETDC (Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company) substation. Detectives rushed to the scene and spotted a silver Honda HRV with three men, including the accused, Raymond Dhliwayo (33) from Belmont, Bulawayo.
Upon seeing the detectives, the suspects fled but the police were able to apprehend Dhliwayo. A search of the vehicle uncovered sacks and black satchels containing pieces of stolen copper. Dhliwayo led the detectives to a nearby bushy area, where additional sacks and satchels loaded with copper were recovered.
The accused person claimed that he had colluded with a ZETDC substation security guard, who had left the site, to facilitate the theft of the copper during the day.
The police have emphasized the importance of the community’s cooperation in addressing this issue, and they have appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of the two remaining suspects, known as Twoboy Tafandiani and Munyaradzi.
Insp Ncube urged those involved in the vandalism and theft of ZETDC cables, as well as potential buyers, to reconsider their actions, as the “long arm of the law is now hovering over their heads.” The recovered copper is yet to be weighed, and the value is still to be determined.
The arrest of Dhliwayo and the ongoing investigation demonstrate the Bulawayo police’s commitment to tackling the persistent problem of copper cable theft, which can disrupt critical infrastructure and services.
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