Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 51-year-old man from Emakhandeni suburb for stealing 38kg of copper cables worth US$770.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the incident.
Insp Ncube said Jonathan Mapfumo’s arrest was effected by detectives from CID Homicide Bulawayo on Wednesday, after they received a tip-off that he was operating in copper dealing without a valid licence.
“On March 20, 2024, detectives from CID Homicide, Bulawayo received information to the effect that the accused person deals in copper without a copper dealing licence. On the following day, around 4AM, the detectives raided Mapfumo’s place of residence but did not locate him,” Insp Ncube said.
“A few moments later Mapfumo arrived driving a silver Toyota Regius. Thorough searches were done at his house but nothing was found.”
Insp. Ncube said the vehicle and Mapfumo were taken to the police station where the car was thoroughly searched.
“This led to the recovery of a black crane scale which was under the drivers’ seat and a white sack containing assorted copper cables was also recovered under the back seat,” he said.
The provincial police spokesperson said Mapfumo failed to produce any licence or permit which allows him to deal or possess the copper leading to his arrest.
“The recovered copper cables were weighed using the recovered scale and they weighed 38,5 kilograms with a value of US$770. Upon being interviewed, Mapfumo stated he acquired the copper cables from some people whom he could not identify. Mapfumo further pointed out the copper cables were destined for South Africa,” Insp. Ncube.
“Those people who vandalise ZEDTC cables, those who think of doing so and those who are buyers should seriously consider trying other legal business avenues as the long arm of the law is now hovering over their heads. Police would like also to appreciate the community for working hand in glove with them.”
