Ancilla Gotore

MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO-ZRP has warned would be transgressors that the jail term for vandalizing public utilities and possession of any public utility equipment regardless of quantity is a mandatory 10 years.

Acting Provincial CID spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Rachel Muteweri has said.

The warning comes as many suspects oblivious of the gravity of the crime become shocked when they get arrested.

Muteweri cited several crimes including where small value is involved but still the suspects will get 10 years if convicted. Recently Police in Harare arrested suspects who drained 300 litres of transformer oil worth a few hundred dollars and they will still be jailed for 10 years if convicted.

The crimes were committed between February 11 and 20, 2023 in Sunningadale and Adelaide Park in Harare.

Police arrested Munyaradzi Mwanjera (28) of Epworth, Harare after a tip off. The other four are still at large.

On February 11, 2023 around 10 pm, Mwanjera together with accomplices who are still at large namely David Samanyanga, Nyamukudo, Forget and Baba Aya, connived to steal transformer oil.

They drained 300 litres of oil from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company transformer in Sunningdale.

On February 19, 2023 they also stole 250 litres of transformer oil in Adelaide Park, Harare.

Police managed to arrest Mwanjera and are now appealing for information to apprehend the outstanding suspects.

Police also arrested Johan Ndlovu (37) and Brighton Sibanda (20) for vandalising public utilities. The two were arrested on February 23, 2023 following a spate of vandalism of Tel-one copper cables in Gwanda.