Utility vandals nabbed

Arron Nyamayaro

A man suspected of draining Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company transformer oil and two TelOne copper cable thieves were arrested last week.

Munyaradzi Mwanjera (28) from Jacha in Epworth and his accomplices, David Samanyanga, one Nyamukudo, Forget and Baba Aya, who are still at large, allegedly connived to steal 300 litres of transformer oil in Sunningdale.

Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Assistant Inspector Racheal Muteweri, said the suspects stole 250l of transformer oil from Adelaide Park.

“Police express their gratefulness to members of the public who supplied credible information that led to the arrest of the accused persons,” said Det Asst Insp Muteweri.

“The suspects are facing charges of contravening Section 60 A(b) of the Electricity Act Chapter 13;19 which prohibits the cutting, damaging, destroying and interfering with apparatus used for generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity.

“On February 11 at around 10pm, the accused person together with his accomplices went to Sunningdale where they drained 300 litres of oil from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company transformer along Ceres Road before disappearing into the darkness.

“They went to Adelaide Park on February 19 where they also stole 250 litres of transformer oil. 

“On February 20, detectives from CID Braeside received information that the accused person was behind the commission of the crimes and arrested him.

“We are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects,” said Det Asst Insp Muteweri.

She said police in Gwanda arrested Johan Ndlovu (37) and Brighton Sibanda (20) for a spate of vandalism of TelOne copper cables in Gwanda.

“On February 23, they stole 200 metres of TelOne copper cables valued at US$2 000.

“Their luck ran out when detectives got wind that the two were destined for Bulawayo where they intended to sell their loot. Detectives swiftly reacted and intercepted the two leading to the recovery of burnt copper wires stashed in sacks.”