Man busted stealing diesel from NRZ

Bulawayo and Mazowe police have reported two separate theft incidents, highlighting ongoing security concerns around critical infrastructure in Zimbabwe.

In Bulawayo, Ronald Shumba, 34, was arrested after attempting to steal diesel from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). Security personnel intercepted him at the NRZ gate on 10 October around 21:00 with two containers holding a total of 60 litres of diesel. The suspect was driving a blue Honda Fit (AEJ 5463) when security guard Gerald Dhliwayo noticed his suspicious behavior and conducted a vehicle search, uncovering a blue and a khaki 30-litre container both filled with diesel. When questioned, Shumba was unable to explain the source of the fuel.

Shumba appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Abednico Ndebele, facing theft charges, and was remanded in custody until 18 October as investigations continue. The stolen diesel, valued at US$75, and the containers were fully recovered.

In a separate incident in Mazowe, police arrested Rodrick Kativhu in connection with the theft of armoured cables at Foyle Farm. Kativhu was apprehended by security guards while attempting to vandalize a ZETDC transformer and steal the cables. Authorities recovered a black satchel containing 12 spanners, three knives, a pair of pliers, an adjustable steel spanner, four pieces of copper cable, and various clothing items from the suspect.

Both cases underscore the vigilance of security personnel in protecting Zimbabwe’s critical infrastructure and the swift law enforcement response to attempted thefts.