Mvurwi Man Jailed 10 Years for Vandalising Irrigation Infrastructure

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Mvurwi

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of vandalising irrigation infrastructure at a farm in Mvurwi, in a case that underscores Zimbabwe's efforts to protect agricultural assets from theft and sabotage. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that Ajida Twala, also known as "Magirazi", was convicted of contravening Section 111B(b) of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24] following the theft and vandalism of irrigation equipment at Vhukwe Farm.

According to police, the offence occurred between 2 and 3 June 2026, when Twala allegedly vandalised four aluminium irrigation pipes connected to the farm's irrigation scheme. Investigators say the accused removed the pipes and concealed them in nearby bushland in an apparent attempt to collect them later. The alleged theft was foiled after an alert farm employee noticed Twala behaving suspiciously and immediately informed security personnel.

Security guards tracked his movements and discovered the hidden irrigation pipes before Twala allegedly fled the scene after realising he was being followed.

The matter was reported to detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Mashonaland Central, who launched investigations leading to Twala's arrest. He subsequently appeared before the Guruve Magistrates' Court on 20 July 2026, where Regional Magistrate Timeone Makunde convicted him. The State was represented by prosecutor Rutendo Ndibwe. Following conviction, the court sentenced Twala to 10 years' imprisonment.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police praised the vigilance of the farm employee and security personnel whose actions led to the recovery of the stolen property and the arrest of the suspect.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to commend the vigilance shown by members of the public in taking action against vandalism of agricultural assets. Police will continue to work with communities to protect agricultural assets," the statement said.

The conviction comes as authorities intensify efforts to curb the theft and vandalism of irrigation equipment, electricity infrastructure and farming machinery, offences that have become a growing concern in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector. Agricultural experts have warned that vandalism of irrigation systems disrupts food production, increases operational costs for farmers and undermines investments aimed at improving agricultural productivity. Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around farms, irrigation schemes and other critical infrastructure to help prevent similar offences.

Mvurwi irrigation vandalism