News / National
5 in court over ZESA, TelOne cable theft
2 hrs ago |
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Five people have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court in separate cases involving the theft and vandalism of critical electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the growing problem of copper cable theft.
Edwell James (23), Brian Shylock Mushangwe (24), Blessing Changara (28) and Bob Chasauka (33) appeared before regional magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo on Friday facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act after they were allegedly found in possession of stolen ZESA armoured cables.
The four were remanded in custody pending the determination of their bail application.
According to the State, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Harare received information on June 4 that the accused persons were burning ZESA armoured cables at Beta Bricks Compound in Mt Hampden in an attempt to extract copper.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives proceeded to the location where they allegedly found the suspects burning the cables. They were arrested at the scene.
In a separate matter heard before the same court, Justin Katopola appeared on charges of damaging and stealing telecommunications infrastructure belonging to TelOne.
Katopola pleaded guilty and is expected to be sentenced on Monday.
The court heard that on January 12, 2026, at about 7pm, Katopola allegedly targeted a TelOne installation along West Road in Avondale, Harare.
Prosecutors said he used an unidentified sharp object to cut and steal five metres of a 20-pair TelOne copper cable diptail after opening the metal housing that protected the cable.
He allegedly fled with the stolen copper after cutting the cable.
The State further told the court that Katopola was arrested on June 3, 2026, in Avondale while allegedly committing a similar offence. Following his arrest, he reportedly led investigators to the crime scene and made indications.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the theft and vandalism of electricity and telecommunications infrastructure disrupt essential services, result in costly repairs and negatively affect businesses and communities.
The cases come amid ongoing concerns over rising incidents of copper cable theft targeting public utilities across the country.
Edwell James (23), Brian Shylock Mushangwe (24), Blessing Changara (28) and Bob Chasauka (33) appeared before regional magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo on Friday facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act after they were allegedly found in possession of stolen ZESA armoured cables.
The four were remanded in custody pending the determination of their bail application.
According to the State, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Harare received information on June 4 that the accused persons were burning ZESA armoured cables at Beta Bricks Compound in Mt Hampden in an attempt to extract copper.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives proceeded to the location where they allegedly found the suspects burning the cables. They were arrested at the scene.
In a separate matter heard before the same court, Justin Katopola appeared on charges of damaging and stealing telecommunications infrastructure belonging to TelOne.
The court heard that on January 12, 2026, at about 7pm, Katopola allegedly targeted a TelOne installation along West Road in Avondale, Harare.
Prosecutors said he used an unidentified sharp object to cut and steal five metres of a 20-pair TelOne copper cable diptail after opening the metal housing that protected the cable.
He allegedly fled with the stolen copper after cutting the cable.
The State further told the court that Katopola was arrested on June 3, 2026, in Avondale while allegedly committing a similar offence. Following his arrest, he reportedly led investigators to the crime scene and made indications.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the theft and vandalism of electricity and telecommunications infrastructure disrupt essential services, result in costly repairs and negatively affect businesses and communities.
The cases come amid ongoing concerns over rising incidents of copper cable theft targeting public utilities across the country.
Source - the herald
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