Roseline Mutare
Police in Masvingo Province has confirmed the arrest and conviction of Martin Kwambura, 18, of Zvinyanduko Village, Chief Mabika, Bikita, and Eventhough Munangi, 18, of Village 1B Dera, Chiredzi, for stealing copper cables.
Masvingo Province Deputy Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Patinyu Masauso confirmed that on November 7, 2024, Kwambura, Munangi, and Misheck Chihanga, still at large, stole 100 meters of 35-square-millimeter armoured cable from the ZETDC Transformer at Chikwirira Shopping Centre in Chiredzi.
“The trio used bolt cutters during a nighttime load-shedding period, targeting the 100KV Transformer supplying power to Chikwirira Shopping Centre, Chikwirira Primary School, Chikwirira Clinic, and nearby households,” reads the statement.
Police and ZETDC Chiredzi loss control officials, assisted by the public, tracked down the suspects. Kwambura and Munangi were arrested, and a search at Chihanga’s house led to the recovery of a burnt cable.
The stolen cables were valued at US$2,000, with US$633 worth recovered.
Kwambura and Munangi appeared at Chiredzi Regional Court on November 9, 2024, and were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each on November 11, 2024.
Masauso commended the community’s cooperation and assistance in bringing the culprits to book and recovery of some stolen items.
