Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Writer
A man who had been on the run for two years after vandalising and stealing a US$15 000 transformer — plunging residents of Willsgrove Farm in Kensington, on the outskirts of Bulawayo, into darkness — has been found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Nkosilathi Vundla (38), who had been appearing for trial at the Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court, appeared before Regional Magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla, facing a charge of contravening Section 60A(3)(b) of the Electricity Act.
He represented himself and pleaded not guilty, but at the conclusion of the trial he was convicted and handed a mandatory 10-year sentence.
The magistrate noted that Vundla had been on the run for two years after committing the offence in the company of his brother-in-law, Gift Ncube, who is already serving a 10-year jail term after being convicted of the same crime.
In aggravation, the State — represented by Ms Tsungai Mutapi — argued that Vundla committed the offence under aggravating circumstances.
“He used an unknown object to vandalise a US$15 000 transformer, leaving community members without electricity. After committing the crime, he fled in his Toyota vehicle and went into hiding for two years.
“I pray that he is given a lengthy sentence considering that he committed the crime in aggravating circumstances. Cases of transformer vandalism are a cause for concern to the community and the country at large.”
Ms Mutapi added that the economic and social livelihoods of the community were severely affected.
“The community had to rely on firewood for cooking, yet many could not afford it. The community leader testified that some residents, particularly women, had their lives put at risk as they had to endure walking long distances to collect firewood.”
The court also heard that Vundla is not a first-time offender, having previously been arrested for a similar crime.
On March 3, 2023, Vundla, together with his brother-in-law Gift Ncube and an accomplice identified only as Khuya — who is still on the run — drove to Willsgrove Farm on the outskirts of Bulawayo. Upon arrival, they vandalised a transformer.
“After vandalising the transformer, they loaded it into their Toyota vehicle and fled. Community members reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Ncube, who was later convicted and sentenced to 10 years and is serving his term at Khami Prison,” said Ms Mutapi.
Vundla went into hiding and was arrested this year by police detectives from the Minerals, Flora, and Fauna section.
The detectives later recovered the transformer, which was vandalised beyond repair. The offenders’ vehicle was also recovered and used as an exhibit.
