Zimpapers Logo

THE police in Bulawayo should be commended for intercepting a South Africa-registered vehicle that was allegedly smuggling a tonne of stolen copper cables with an estimated value of R200 000 as the fight against copper cable thieves gathers pace.

A number of suburbs have been plunged into darkness because of the theft of copper cables while the country’s power utility has incurred huge losses from the vice.

Engineering manager at Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Mr Lloyd Jaji said the company loses about US$20 million annually to cable thefts.

Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC)

Police arrested Linos Sithole also known as ‘‘Boss Boss’’ in Magwegwe suburb following a high-speed chase before the suspect abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee on foot but could not outpace the law enforcement agents.

The latest arrest follows another early this month where police intercepted another South Africa-registered vehicle carrying 1,6 tonnes of stollen copper cables worth US$16 000. Six suspects were arrested.

Pleasing is the fact that, in the latest arrest, the suspect was arrested following a tip-off to the police by members of the public, an act that has been encouraged as a solution to eradicating crime.

The arrest therefore bears testimony to the success of close co-operation between the police and the community.

Speaking on the arrest, Bulawayo provincial deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said:

“The Bulawayo police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) MMFU received a tip-off from members of the public that a man named Linos Sithole was involved in the buying, cutting, stealing and smuggling of copper cables to our neighbouring country, South Africa,” she said.

Asst Insp Msebele said a follow-up was made by members of the CID where the vehicle was located in Magwegwe suburb.

Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele

“Police officers searched the vehicle and found copper cables stuffed in the engine, in the glove compartments, under the car chassis and under the spare wheel,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

The vehicle was taken to Drill Hall for investigations.

Asst Insp Msebele appreciated members of the public for bringing reliable information to the police and urged the public to continue bringing information.

“We urge members of the public to report anyone who is seen carrying or cutting copper cables as they are public utilities and Bulawayo relies on them,” she said.

We encourage members of the public to continue collaborating with the police so that a permanent solution is found to the theft of copper cables.