Copper Cable Theft Syndicate Busted in Bulawayo: Security Guard Implicated in Connivance
Copper cables thief who was caught red-handed while others fled revealed the involvement of a security guard from the ZETDC substation, who allegedly facilitated the theft by leaving the site to enable the group’s illicit activities.
According to Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube the arrest was made on July 7th at around 16:45 hours when CID Homicide Bulawayo detectives received a tip-off about individuals stealing copper cables from a ZETDC substation. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the detectives rushed to the scene, where they spotted a silver Honda HRV with three male occupants.
“On the 07th of July 2024 at around 1645 hours, CID Homicide Bulawayo details received information to the effect that there were accused persons stealing copper cables from a ZETDC Substation,” said Inspector Ncube.
He added, “The accused person indicated that they had connived with the security guard at ZETDC substation who left the site to facilitate them to steal the copper from the site during the day.”
The suspects, upon seeing the approaching detectives, abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee into the surrounding bush. However, the police were able to apprehend one of the suspects, identified as Raymond Dhliwayo, a 33-year-old male from Belmont, Bulawayo.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the discovery of several sacks and bags filled with stolen copper cables. The detectives then followed the suspect’s lead and recovered additional sacks and bags containing more copper pieces from a nearby bushy area.
“They searched the accused person’s vehicle and found pieces of copper loaded in sacks and the accused further led the detectives into a bushy area where other sacks and two black satchels loaded with copper pieces were recovered,” Ncube stated.
The police have yet to determine the exact value of the stolen copper, as the recovered items are still being weighed. However, they have emphasised the seriousness of such crimes and the need for the public to cooperate with law enforcement to combat them.
“Those people who vandalise ZETDC 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,” Ncube warned.
He added, “Police would also like to appreciate the community for working hand in glove with them.”
The arrest of Raymond Dhliwayo and the recovery of the stolen copper cables are seen as a significant victory in the fight against the growing problem of cable theft in Bulawayo amidst continuous power cuts.
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