Crime and Courts
Copper Thief Gets 5-Year Jail Term in Bulawayo
The Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Zithelo Moyo (19) to five years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of unlawful possession of electricity infrastructure materials, in violation of Section 60A(3)(b) of the Electricity Act [Chapter 13:19].
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on 3 June 2025, police officers on patrol near Redan Garage in Makokoba stopped the offender, who was carrying a suspiciously heavy maroon and brown handbag.
“A search revealed 3.25 kilograms of copper conductors, property belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC),” said the NPA.
The offender failed to produce a license or permit for the copper, leading to his immediate arrest. The stolen property, valued at US$65.00, was confirmed to be critical for electricity generation and distribution.