The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested a 42-year-old man from Hwange over the theft of copper cables weighing about 200 kg.
In a report seen by Pindula News, ZRP identified the man as Tawengwa Timire. Read the report:
On 28/01/23, detectives in Hwange arrested Tawengwa Timire (42) in connection with a case of theft of 197 kgs of copper cables. The cables were stolen at ZPC Hwange.
Copper cable theft is a common problem in Zimbabwe where thieves steal copper cables for their high value on the black market and by high unemployment and economic hardship.
It is suspected most of the stolen cables are being smuggled to South Africa and they are then shipped further to countries that use the metal in the construction and manufacturing industries.
The theft of copper cables from power and telecommunications infrastructure results in significant financial losses for companies and can lead to widespread power cuts and communication disruptions.
Companies and the government are working to stop it with increased security and stricter penalties, and by promoting responsible copper disposal to reduce the incentive for theft.