MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU– Gweru Regional Magistrate, Rumbidzai Mugwagwa today slapped a Shurugwi man with 10 years in prison for stealing TelOne copper cables opposite Bata Shoe Company in Gweru.
Nyasha Chiherenge (23) from Shoriwa village, under Chief Nhema, Shurugwi was convicted at the close of the State case due to overwhelming evidence.
Appearing for the State, Eggrina Matutu told the court that on January 30, 2023 at around 12pm. A TelOne employee Artwell Manyudza who works as a risk and loss control officer received a cable alarm signal from Ivene area opposite the Bata Shoe Company in Gweru.
She said the security guards who were manning Bata area reacted to the alarm signal and discovered that the manhole was open and about 100 meters of TelOne cables were cut.
The court heard that the security guards then made an ambush at around 00:40am.
At that time the accused person came at the manhole holding a wooden hook.
Chiherenge’s luck ran out when the security guards approached and arrested him while he was trying to hook the cables from the manhole.
The total value of the stolen cables is worth US$6 720 and all was recovered.
