Mine Worker Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing Stolen Power Cables

A young mine employee from Hwange has been handed an effective five-year prison sentence after being caught in possession of electricity cables belonging to his employer.

Admire Shoko (20), of Makwika Village, pleaded guilty before Hwange provincial magistrate Ms Rumbi Kabasa Bonzo to unlawfully possessing electricity infrastructure materials, an offence under Section 60A(3)(b) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19).

The court ordered that the seized copper cables be returned to Zhongxian Chabha Mine Mopani.

Shoko was represented by lawyers Tiffany Sibanda and Linda Mthombeni, while the prosecution was led by Ms Jamesina Erica Makanza.

According to the State, Shoko was employed as a general hand at the mine. In the early hours of December 6, shortly after finishing his shift at the washing plant, he attempted to exit the premises through the main gate.

During a routine security check, guards discovered two copper electricity cables concealed inside his food bag. The mine, represented by security manager Mr Desmert Gweshe, reported the matter to police.

The recovered items included a six-metre 2.5mm² three-core copper flex cable and a nine-metre 1.5mm four-core copper flex cable, with a combined value of US$40.

Shoko failed to produce authorisation permitting the removal of the cables from the mine, leading to his immediate arrest.

Although he appealed for leniency, the court ruled that crimes involving electricity infrastructure are serious and endanger safety, production and essential services, particularly in mining operations.