Vimbai  Mugwira

MIRROR REPORTER

MASHAVA-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from Mashava has arrested Prosper Mugova (28) and Aaron Mutondo (37) for vandalizing Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) transformers and stealing copper cables at Boss Mine in Mashava . 

Acting CID spokesperson Assistant Detective Inspector, Rachel Muteweri, confirmed the arrest in a press statement seen by The Mirror, and said Police is yet to account for two other suspects only identified as Trust and Mhofu who escaped the arrest.

According to the press release dated January 11, 2023, Mashava Police who were on patrol on January 9, 2023, spotted a Silver Nissan Blue Bird parked by the roadside at the 42km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Highway and became suspicious and advanced towards the vehicle which had four occupants.

Upon seeing the Police, Mhofu and Trust fled from the scene leaving Mugova and Mutondo behind. The Police searched the car and recovered  three transformer copper winders, a bolt cutter and a black satchel containing spanners. 

Further investigations revealed that the suspects had vandalized a ZESA transformer near Boss Mine,  leading to the arrest of the two. Mugova and Mutondo have since appeared before Chivi Magistrate Rutendo Jakati and were remanded in custody to  January 24, 2023.  

“ZRP is urging members of the public to collaborate its efforts in the fight against vandalism of public utilities and infrastructure as they have a negative impact on the country’s economy, derails development and results in loss of revenue through replacing or repairing the vandalized structure.

“We are appealing to the public for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects who escaped arrest. Anyone with information should feel free to report to CID Mashava or any nearest Police station,” said Muteweri. 

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