Copper scrap lands 44‑year‑old woman in jail

A 44‑year‑old woman from Mbare, Harare, has been jailed for 10 years after she was found in possession of copper scrap metal.


Success Kudyarawanza was convicted and sentenced by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court for unlawful possession of copper.

The court heard that on 1 March 2026, police detectives received information that Kudyarawanza was transporting scrap copper from Glendale to Harare with the intention of selling it.

Acting on the tip‑off, detectives conducted surveillance at Gazaland Scrap Yard in Highfields, where a DAF 10‑tonne truck was seen arriving and offloading cargo. Kudyarawanza disembarked from the passenger seat carrying a white sack.

Detectives approached her, searched the bag and recovered 7kg of scrap copper wire valued at US$33.56.

She failed to produce a certificate authorising her to possess or trade in copper and was immediately arrested.

Authorities say copper‑related offences are treated seriously due to their impact on national infrastructure and economic stability.