By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A Mutare man identified as Vitalis Madzekenye has been sentenced to 13 months in prison, with 5 months suspended, for stealing 28 post-paid electricity meters from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Maintenance Depot in Mutare.
Madzekenye will effectively serve 8 months in prison and was arraigned by the Mutare Magistrates court.
According to reports, Madzekenye broke into the depot on 15 March 2025, by cutting a hole in the perimeter fence and forcing a door open. He then made off with the meters, valued at US$2,800.
Madzekenye was apprehended at Green Market in Sakubva while attempting to sell the stolen meters. The stolen property was recovered and positively identified by ZETDC’s Loss Control Officer.