By A Correspondent | ZimEye | A mastermind behind a major copper cable theft operation in Bulawayo Tapfumaneyi Muzarabani has been slapped with an 11 year jail term.
Muzarabani (48) was convicted after a full trial for illegally possessing over five tonnes of stolen copper cables worth approximately US$131,000.
The stolen property, which belonged to ZETDC, NRZ, and TelOne, was recovered at a house in Mahatshula North during a police operation.
According to the state, Muzarabani’s activities contributed to widespread disruptions in electricity supply, railway operations, and telecommunications services.
“Muzarabani was found guilty under multiple charges, including unlawful possession of copper and materials used for essential public services,” said the NPA.
In one of the counts the complainant is the National Railways of Zimbabwe represented by Knowledge Mazheke a security officer.
Prosecutors proved that during the period extending from year 2007 to March 2024, the National Railways of Zimbabwe experienced some cases of thefts of copper inter-poles, locomotive power copper conductors, copper cables and copper wires in and around Bulawayo Metropolitan province and made some reports to the police.
“Investigations were carried out which led to the arrest of the accused.
NRZ identified 430 kilograms of locomotive power copper conductors and cables used for the provision of railway services as their property.
The total value of the recovered property is US$8 600-00.
In another case, the complainant is TelOne Zimbabwe represented by Foster Gumede who is employed by Telone Bulawayo as a loss control officer.
The court heard that during the period extending from year 2020 to March 2024, TelOne Zimbabwe experienced some cases of thefts of copper inter-poles, telephone poles, signal copper wires and telecommunications copper cables in and around Bulawayo Metropolitan province and made some reports to the police.
“Investigations were carried out which led to the arrest of the accused.
TelOne Zimbabwe identified 100 kilograms identify underground telecommunication cables used for telecommunications as their property.
It was vaued US$2000-00.