Emmanuel Sibanda, a 41-year-old man from Zvishavane, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a serious th3ft involving copper cables at Shabanie Mine.
The incident occurred on the evening of June 4, when Sibanda allegedly entered the premises and systematically cut and removed several valuable copper cables, including 4×2.5 metre bars and various 50mm cables in different colors.
His actions not only vi0lated the Electrical Act but also posed a risk to the mine’s operations and infrastructure. Security personnel, alerted by unusual noises, quickly investigated the situation and apprehended Sibanda at the scene.
Following his arrest, the police recovered st0len items valued at approximately US$897, highlighting the significant financial impact of his crime.
The Zvishavane Magistrate Court handed down the hefty sentence as a deterrent against similar offenses, reflecting the judiciary’s stance on the severity of such th3fts in the region.