Bulawayo Copper Cable Thief Jailed for 11 Years

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A 48-year-old man, described as the ringleader of a copper cable theft syndicate, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Bulawayo Regional Magistrate. The convict, whose activities caused widespread disruptions to electricity, railway, and telecommunications services, was found guilty of stealing cables and equipment worth approximately US$131,000.

The court heard that the accused, whose name was not disclosed, was involved in the theft of copper cables belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), and TelOne. The stolen items included overhead copper cables, armoured cables, transformers, and telecommunications wires.

Police recovered over five tonnes of stolen copper cables during a raid at a house in Mahatshula North, Bulawayo. The operation followed a tip-off and months of surveillance by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“The accused was found in possession of 6,550 kilograms of copper cables, valued at US$131,000,” said the prosecution. “Of this, 3,420 kilograms were identified as ZETDC property, worth US$68,400.”

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The thefts, which occurred between 2022 and March 2024, severely impacted essential services in Bulawayo, leading to power outages, disrupted railway operations, and telecommunication failures. The court emphasised the need for harsh penalties to deter such crimes, which undermine public infrastructure and economic stability.

The convict’s sentencing sends a strong message to others involved in similar illegal activities, highlighting the consequences of sabotaging critical national infrastructure.

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