admin
Court Reporter
Two suspected thieves who stormed a Beatrice farm recently and stole 4 050 metres of copper cables worth US$40 716, yesterday appeared in court for contravening the Electricity Amendment Act.
The Act incriminates anyone who cuts, damages, destroys or interferes with any operations for generating, transmitting, distribution or supply of electricity.
Brian Chawaipira (25) of Highfield in Harare is a businessman operating Zimbabwe Enterprises while his co-accused, Munyaradzi Bhobho (38) lives in Mbare.
They denied the charges before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini and were remanded on US$100 bail apiece to January 29.
Prosecutor Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa alleges that on January 3 the duo with accomplices who are still at large stormed Denby Farm in Beatrice.
They were driving in Chawaipira’s unregistered Toyota Hiace and upon arrival, they cut 4 050 metres of Zesa copper cables and loaded them into the vehicle.
The farm owner, Mr Ishmael Matafi, armed with a gun teamed up with his employees, Stephen Mari and Jairos Dickson, and went to investigate.
They intercepted the gang as they were driving out of the premises and quizzed them.
This resulted in a heated argument after the gang failed to give a satisfactory explanation prompting Mari to strike one of the windows to the vehicle and discovering the bundles of copper cables.
Sensing danger, the gang drove off at high speed with Matafi firing a shot at the passenger door. Mr Matafi and his employees proceeded to report the matter to the police leading to the pair’s arrest.
Online Reporter