Dumisani Ndlovu
Shurugwi, Zimbabwe – A 28-year-old man from Gweru, Anotidaishe Poshayi, was recently sentenced to ten years in prison by Shurugwi Magistrate Sithabile Zungula for stealing copper cables belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
The sentencing took place following an incident on October 25, 2024, at an electricity powerline near the community hall in Railway Block.
According to state documents, Poshayi unlawfully tampered with ZETDC infrastructure by cutting two 70-meter strands of 50-millimeter copper cables, weighing approximately 39.58 kilograms. These cables are essential for supplying electricity to the Railway Block residential area. The stolen cables were valued at US$5,890, and were fortunately, fully recovered.
Despite denying the charges, Public Prosecutor Tafadzwa Guzete presented compelling evidence that proved Poshayi committed the crime under aggravating circumstances. Guzete highlighted the significant impact of the theft, arguing that it resulted in a loss of potential revenue for ZETDC, strained the company’s budget due to the need for cable replacement, and disrupted essential services to the affected community.
Guzete said the theft led to disruption that impacted local businesses and households, causing widespread inconvenience.
“Accused person stole 39.85 kg of electrical cables which resulted in loss of potential revenue for ZETDC. The crime committed affected zesa budget as the said electricity cables must be replaced in the community affected. This also disrupted service in the affected community…disrupted businesses and homes. State prays for the mandatory minimum sentence to be imposed,” she boldly said.
Guzete strongly advocated for the imposition of the mandatory minimum sentence.
Magistrate Zungula, in her sentencing remarks, carefully weighed both the aggravating and mitigating factors of the case. She emphasized the severity of disrupting electricity services to the community, acknowledging the negative impact on homes and businesses, echoing the state’s submission. On the mitigating side, she noted the recovery of all stolen cables and the fact that Poshayi did not personally benefit from the crime.
“In passing the sentence, what is more aggravating is that you disrupted service in the affected community and disrupted businesses and homes, as mentioned by the state in her submission. And what is more mitigatory is that everything was recovered and you did not benefit from the crime,” Magistrate Zungula stated.
Ultimately, Magistrate Zungula handed down the mandatory sentence of ten years in prison, demonstrating a firm stance against infrastructure theft and its detrimental consequences for the community. The ruling serves as a strong warning to those considering similar offenses.
