Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
IN an ongoing effort to crack down on the vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, police have arrested three suspects in separate cases involving electricity and telecommunications equipment.
Joshua Chipunza (30) and Tyson Manzunzu (28), both of Dzingainhamo Farm, Chegutu, who were on board a Harare-bound bus, were arrested at a security roadblock for possession of 93.6kg burnt copper cables.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, who is the CID spokesperson, said investigations have since established that the two had vandalised and stolen armoured copper cables in Chirau area, Zvimba, before proceeding to Chegutu, where they boarded the Harare-bound bus.
“A search conducted at the roadblock led to the recovery of the copper cables, which had been stashed in sacks inside three satchels.
“The ZRP is now appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect, Fidelis Takunda Kawata,” she said.
In a separate case, detectives from CID MFFU Mutare arrested Wilson Chigonde (38) of Tadyanemhandu Village, Chief Mutasa, in connection with vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure.
Chigonde, together with his accomplices, who are still at large, targeted telecommunication boosters where they would steal copper cables.
“His luck ran out on 1 September 2026 when detectives received information linking him to the crimes.
“Detectives reacted to the supplied information leading to his arrest and the recovery of a Hino truck, registration number AGV 0962, which the accused had been using to transport their loot.
“He is now facing three counts of Contravening Section 89(4)(A) Of Postal and Telecommunication Act Chapter 12:05 which criminalises the wilful damage or interference with or theft of telecommunication lines and apparatus.
“The total value stolen is US$17,460.
“The public is reminded that vandalism of public infrastructure carries a mandatory 10-year jail term.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to appeal to members of the public to report any suspicious and criminal activities in the neighborhood,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
