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Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have arrested seven people who were found in illegal possession of copper worth $35,000 along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge highway. Beitbridge Traffic Police officers apprehended the seven suspects for allegedly contravening the Copper Control Act which makes it a criminal offence to deal in copper without a licence.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday at the 305km peg along the highway when police officers decided to search a vehicle that was parked on the side of the road.

The seven are Luck Tshabangu, 41, Frank Phiri, 33, Khanye Khaliphani, 34, Kenneth Rundowa, 34, Jumbe Lungile, 35, Kenneth Kandowe, 34, and Mosi Kheswa, 42.

“On May 19, 2015, at around 11:30 hours, Beitbridge Traffic Police officers were patrolling along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road. Upon reaching the 305km peg the team observed a Ford Carrier vehicle parked on the side of the road and proceeded to investigate,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

“The Police officers searched the vehicle and discovered that the trailer was loaded with 1,760 kilogrammes of copper cables and overhead copper conductors concealed in used car batteries.

“The estimated value of the recovered copper is $35,000.”

She said the suspects’ vehicle was impounded and the case is still under investigation.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba warned all illegal copper dealers that they would be arrested.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson also said they were investigating the theft of cash and valuables amounting to $42,000 from a homestead in Chivi, Masvingo, by two armed robbers.

Yesterday, The Chronicle reported that $40,000 and cellphones worth $1,000 were stolen from the homestead of businessman Setfree Mapuvire, but police said the theft also involved jewellery bringing the figure to $42,000.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the two men who were armed with a revolver and a pistol approached the Mapuvire homestead in Muguti Village under Chief Chivi and ordered 16 people who were there to sit down and remain silent.

“The accused persons demanded to see the owner of the house whom they accused of dealing in gold, diamonds and jewellery. They searched the house and complainants before stealing several cellphones, other valuables and cash, all amounting to $42,000,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

“The accused persons locked the complainants in different rooms, tied them using black seal trips and pieces of cloth torn from kitchen chair seat covers. They then ordered one of complainants to drive them using his motor vehicle.”

She said the business community and the general public should not keep or move around with large sums of money and urged them to utilise banking institutions to secure their funds.

“Police are appealing for information which may lead to the identification and arrest of the culprits. Anyone with information can report to their nearest police station or contact National Complaints Desk on telephone numbers (04) 703 631,” added Snr Asst Comm Charamba.