Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Police in Bulawayo have arrested three men in connection with the theft and vandalism of underground copper cables valued at US$12,300, belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
The suspects — Leo Madziwa (43) of Nkulumane 5, Believe Muteiwa (25) of Cowdray Park, and Kenneth Tatira (31) of Waterfalls, Harare — appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate on September 19 and were remanded in custody pending further investigations.
Authorities said the arrests followed a well-coordinated operation on September 18, conducted by the Loss Control Western Region team in collaboration with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (CID-MFFU).
Police reported that the operation began when Madziwa was intercepted at Nkulumane Complex, where he was seen loading a suspicious sack into his silver VW Golf (registration AEA 6197). Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered skinned underground armoured cables, raising immediate suspicions of theft.
During interrogation, Madziwa reportedly confessed and provided information that led investigators to a property at Stand 16616 Kelvin North, where further evidence was recovered. There, authorities found more burnt and damaged cables, which were positively identified as stolen from ZETDC’s Monarch Substation, a site that had been reported vandalised earlier in the week.
Three Arrested in Bulawayo for Stealing US$12,300 Worth of ZETDC Copper Cables
Following the trail, police arrested Muteiwa and Tatira at the Kelvin North property. Both men are reportedly agents of Ricozone Pvt Ltd, a company owned by Hardlife Zimwenje, who is currently evading arrest in connection with related cases.
The total weight of the recovered copper cables was 615 kilograms, representing a significant financial loss to the national electricity provider. Authorities said that the recovered cables, once repaired or replaced, would be reinstalled to restore power supply disrupted by the theft.
Copper cable theft has emerged as a growing concern for utility companies across Zimbabwe, with the high market value of copper making it a target for criminals. Cable vandalism not only leads to financial losses but also disrupts electricity supply to households and businesses, posing safety hazards and economic setbacks.
Police officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near substations or power lines.
“Cable theft is a serious offence that endangers communities and disrupts critical services. We call on citizens to assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious individuals or activities near electricity infrastructure,” a police spokesperson said.
The three suspects are expected to face charges related to theft, vandalism, and destruction of property. Magistrates have remanded them in custody while police continue investigations, which may lead to the arrest of additional accomplices and the eventual apprehension of Zimwenje, the owner of Ricozone Pvt Ltd.
Authorities highlighted the role of joint operations between specialised units in tackling organised theft and vandalism. The partnership between the Loss Control Western Region team and CID-MFFU was instrumental in identifying, intercepting, and apprehending the suspects.
The theft underscores the vulnerabilities faced by electricity providers, particularly in urban centres like Bulawayo. Cable theft disrupts not only electricity distribution but also affects public safety, industrial activity, and household access to power. ZETDC has committed to strengthening security measures, including increased patrols and surveillance around substations, to prevent further losses.
“Protecting national infrastructure is critical to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. Theft of copper cables not only has economic implications but also endangers lives and livelihoods,” a ZETDC official said.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to mitigate risks and safeguard critical electricity infrastructure across the country.
Police emphasised that community vigilance plays a key role in preventing such crimes. Residents living near substations and other critical infrastructure are encouraged to report unusual activity, as timely information can prevent theft, damage, and service interruptions.
The successful apprehension of Madziwa, Muteiwa, and Tatira highlights the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement operations and reinforces the message that organised theft of critical national infrastructure will not be tolerated.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to track down any additional stolen materials and to apprehend Hardlife Zimwenje, whose involvement is linked to a series of similar thefts. Meanwhile, the three suspects remain in custody, facing serious criminal charges that carry significant penalties upon conviction.
Source- Herald
