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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested while his two accomplices are still at large for allegedly stealing copper cables worth $1 200.

The teenager from Lupane who cannot be named for ethical reasons was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a charge of cutting, damaging, destroying, or interfering with copper cables for generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity.

He was remanded in custody to January 10.

Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said the teenager teamed up with Brian Ndlovu and Mdali Ndlovu and they stole 30 metres of hammered copper from Clemont Mine in Fort Rixon on Christmas eve.

“The matter was reported to the police who carried out investigations resulting in the arrest of the teenager two days later. The value of the stolen copper is $1 200,” she said.

In another incident two Gwanda siblings have appeared in court for allegedly stealing 110 metres of TelOne copper wires valued at $400.

Bekithemba Sibanda (36) and Melody (34) both from Nsimbi Village were not asked to plead when they appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a charge of removing telecommunication lines.

The matter will proceed by way of summons.

Prosecuting, Miss Faith Mutukwa said the pair cut off the copper wires on October 19 from a line along the Mopane- Guyu Road.

“They were found by police officers while committing the offence. The two accused persons fled from the scene and the cops pursued them until they caught up with them. The pair tried to fight off the cops in a bid to evade arrest but the police officers overpowered them. The copper wires which are valued at $400 were recovered,’’ she said. — @DubeMatutu.