Four of the five copper cable thieves, including one woman who was arr3sted later last month in connection with case of vandalizing a 100 KW ZETDC transformer at Mazezuru Secondary School, Mudzi appeared at Kotwa Magistrates Court.
On January 28, one the suspects, Chitava appeared at Kotwa Magistrates Court where he was convicted and sentenced to an effective 20 years imprisonment.
A week later, three of rhe suspects namely Nyakabau, Gurupira and Nyakatonje appeared before the Kotwa Magistrates Court and were convicted and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment.
According to Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the five were found in possession of copper windings and cables without the requisite licenses.
“From May 2024 to January 2025, the accused persons connived to steal copper windings from transformers and network boosters in and around Mutoko.
“The accused persons tripped the transformers and stole copper windings. They were also targeting network boosters and telephone cables.
“Due to the prevalence of vandalism in Mutoko, police detectives conducted an operation which resulted in the arrest of the five accused persons. The five were charged with eleven counts,” she said.
However, they will each serve an effective 30 years in prison as the other 20 years will run concurrently with the sentence.
