HEADLANDS, ZIMBABWE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested three suspects on Monday for allegedly stealing copper cables belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
The accused — Jacob Mazumbunye (33) of Area 16, Dangamvura, Mutare; Tinashe Musara (31) of Zengeza 1, Chitungwiza; and Tatenda Zimwenje (25) of Unit A, Chitungwiza — were apprehended after detectives from CID Rusape acted on a tip-off.
According to police, the trio had been hiding stolen copper cables at Plot 97 Yorkshire in the Headlands area. Around 7 a.m., detectives spotted them offloading copper cables from a Toyota Auris and transferring them into a Toyota GD6 in a bushy area near Yorkshire Primary School.
The vehicles were intercepted along the Mutare-Harare Road near Home Park Business Centre, between Marondera and Macheke, leading to the suspects’ arrest. Authorities recovered about 1.5 tonnes of copper cables, transformers, and water tap fittings.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed the recovery of utilities stolen from ZESA, TelOne, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). Complainants who identified the stolen goods include Lux Bungu (54) from ZESA, Wilson Chapenduma (62) from TelOne, and Richard Muzivamai (45), an NRZ security guard.
Investigations are ongoing.