Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
THREE daring suspects from Tshabalala found themselves on the wrong side of the law, after allegedly vandalising and stealing coach components from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
A court described the act as a reckless stunt that could have derailed more than just trains.
Stephen Matema (20), Tinotenda Munyora (20) and Joel Maphosa (23) appeared in court this week, facing charges of theft and tampering with public transport infrastructure. The trio was remanded in custody by Magistrate Maxwell Ncube to 30 May, as investigations continue.
According to State Prosecutor, Joseph Rugara, the botched heist went down on 4 April at around 9AM, near the NRZ depot in Nketa, Bulawayo. Armed with an “unknown object,” the accused are alleged to have forcibly removed valuable coach components from parked rail infrastructure, a move considered both criminal and dangerous.
But their railway robbery screeched to a halt, thanks to sharp-eyed NRZ security guard, Mr. Lucky Sibanda.
Testifying in court, Sibanda said he spotted the trio suspiciously hauling coach parts and a sack, not far from the NRZ premises. Sensing something was off, he quickly called for backup, alerting his colleagues to verify whether the components had been stolen from the yard.
Backup arrived about 30 minutes later and the hunt was on.
“They followed the suspects through the area and finally caught up with them near Calvin,” said Sibanda. “One of my workmates, Mr. Joseph Emmanuel, managed to apprehend them before they could disappear.”
After the arrest, the suspects were marched back to the NRZ premises, where they reportedly confessed and showed security the exact spot where they had looted the components. The stolen parts worth US$300, were recovered.
While the monetary value might seem small, NRZ officials say the real damage lies in the risk to public safety and disruption to operations caused by such reckless sabotage.
