By Tafara Pande
MUTOKO – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the conviction of four men for vandalizing public utilities, a crime that saw them each sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Mutoko Magistrates Court.
The convicts Anderson Takawira (30), Isaac Vheremu (38), Trymore Bona (30), and Archford Chiyangwa (25) were found guilty of contravening Section 60A(3) of the Electricity Act [Chapter 13:19], which prohibits the damaging of apparatus used for transmitting or distributing electricity.
Investigations revealed that on January 28, 2025, the gang conspired to steal copper windings from ZETDC transformers at Mushimbo and Rukau Business Centres in Mutoko. In the process, they damaged two 100kv transformers and stole about six meters of armored cables.
Their crime was exposed when a loud crash from a falling transformer alerted villagers. Realizing they had been discovered, the culprits attempted to flee in their getaway vehicle. However, quick-thinking villagers alerted the police, who promptly mounted a roadblock that led to the suspects’ arrest.
Appearing before Magistrate Ms. Caroline T. Matanga, the men were each sentenced to 30 years, with five years suspended on condition they restitute the damaged state property and another five years suspended on condition of good behavior leaving them to serve an effective 20-year jail term.
In a statement, ZRP commended the judiciary for its firm stance against such crimes.
“We reaffirm our commitment to protect lives and property as enshrined in the Constitution. Those who engage in destructive activities will be brought to justice,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri R., Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer for the Criminal Investigation Department.
