By Takudziridzwa Nyama
As law enforcement agencies intensify the fight against theft of public infrastructure, a 48 year old notorious copper cable thief has been slapped with an effective 11 year jail term.
Tapfumaneyi Muzarabani, the mastermind behind a major copper cable theft operation was convicted by the Bulawayo Regional Magistrates’ Court.
Muzarabani was found guilty under multiple charges, including unlawful possession of copper and materials used for essential public services.
The national Prosecuting Authority states that Muzarabani was convicted after a full trial for illegally possessing over five tonnes of stolen copper cables worth approximately US$131,000.
The stolen property, which belonged to ZETDC, NRZ, and TelOne, was recovered at a house in Mahatshula North during a police operation.
The state adduced that his activities contributed to widespread disruptions in electricity supply, railway operations, and telecommunications services.