A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of armoured copper cables valued at US$12,000 from Zimplats Smelting Company in Selous, with police saying three other suspects remain at large.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the suspect as Jairosi James Moyo (20) and said the theft occurred on 7 September 2026.
According to police, Moyo was allegedly part of a four-member group that targeted the copper cables at the platinum company’s smelting operation.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Jairosi James Moyo (20) in connection with a case of theft of armoured copper cables which occurred at Zimplats Smelting Company, Selous, on 07/09/26,” police said.
The three alleged accomplices fled and remain at large.
Police said investigations led officers to Makwiro Road in Selous, where Moyo was allegedly found removing the outer casings from the stolen cables.
“Following police investigations, the suspect was tracked and apprehended while removing the cable casings along Makwiro Road, Selous. The other three suspects fled the scene,” the ZRP said.
Officers recovered a 150mm x 91m, three-core armoured cable, together with a machete and a knife, from the suspect.
The recovered cable is believed to form part of the material allegedly stolen from the Zimplats facility.
The arrest highlights the continuing threat posed by copper cable theft to Zimbabwe’s mining and industrial infrastructure, where valuable electrical and armoured cables can become targets for criminal syndicates.
Police investigations are continuing as authorities work to identify and apprehend the three outstanding suspects.
