Five Arrested for Stealing US$48,360 Copper Cables at Zimplats
Five individuals have been apprehended by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Kadoma in connection with the theft of copper cables at Zimplats’ Mupfuti Mine in Mhondoro Ngezi.
According to Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the arrests were made following intelligence received regarding the stolen copper cables.
Four of the suspects, Donald Magaya (23), Onismo Magaya (26), Takudzwa Mango (25), and Robson Mandini (23), were intercepted while travelling in two white Toyota GD6 vehicles. Upon search, law enforcement discovered 2.5 tonnes of copper cables valued at US$48,360, while Innocent Chafera (38) was arrested while hiding in a disused mining shaft.
Nyathi emphasized the police’s commitment to apprehending the outstanding suspect, Kudakwashe Mutizira, who fled the scene upon police intervention.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirms the arrest of Donald Magaya (23), Onismo Magaya (26), Takudzwa Mango (25), Rabson Mandini (23), and Innocent Chafera (38) in connection with a case of theft of copper cables which occurred at Ngwarati Mine, Turf, Kadoma on 14th April 2024 at 10:30 am.
“On the 14th of April 2024, police in Kadoma acted on received information and intercepted Donald Magaya, Onismo Magaya, Rabson Mandini, and Takudzwa Mango who were travelling in two white Toyota GD6 motor vehicles registration number AFU 4025 and AGH 4138, near Ngezi Services Garage, Turf Kadoma. On seeing the police, the suspects’ accomplice, Kudakwashe Mutizira, fled from the scene. The police conducted a search and recovered copper cables weighing 2,572 kilograms valued at US$48,360; subsequently, the four suspects were arrested.
“The four suspects were interviewed and implicated Innocent Chafera as their accomplice, who was arrested while hiding in a disused mining shaft.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect, Kudakwashe Mutizira, who is being sought in connection with this case,” Nyathi said.
Meanwhile, the ZRP is also appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of a foreign national, Francis Chikopa (45), who is being sought in connection with a case of theft of copper which occurred between 30th March 2024 and 31st March.
The suspect was driving a white Howo Sinotruck loaded with 36 tonnes of copper which was in transit from Zambia to Mozambique. He offloaded the copper at an unknown place and later dumped the truck at Macheke Business Centre.
These incidents occur against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s ongoing electricity challenges, which have prompted increased incidents of copper cable theft. Such criminal activities not only disrupt essential infrastructure but also pose significant safety risks to communities.