ZRP convicts vandal for copper cable theft in Msasa
- Southerton Business Times
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed the arrest and conviction of John Sande (29) for contravening Section 60(A) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19) after he was found in possession of stolen underground copper cable in Msasa.
Incident and arrest
According to a ZRP press statement dated 17 February 2026, Sande and two accomplices — identified as Youngman Mutadza (NFPK) and Gama (NFPK), who remain at large — were observed digging up underground copper cables on Zimunhu Road, Msasa, at about 2200 hours on 7 February 2026. Security personnel in the area responded to suspicious activity and apprehended Sande, recovering 1.5 metres of 120mm x 4‑core armoured cable from his possession.
The matter was referred to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit for further investigation, the statement said.
Linked offences
Police investigations have linked the trio to three additional incidents of vandalism targeting underground copper cables across Harare:
15 January 2026 — Old Tafara Shops: The suspects allegedly cut and stole 5 metres of 120mm x 4‑core underground copper cable.
20 January 2026 — Mabvuku school: The group reportedly removed 3 metres of the same cable type from school premises.
28 January 2026 — Tynwald: A further 2.5 metres of 120mm x 4‑core underground cable was allegedly cut and stolen.
These incidents form part of a pattern of attacks on public utilities and infrastructure, police said.
Court outcome and ongoing manhunt
Sande appeared before Regional Magistrate Donald Ndirowei on 11 February 2026, represented by State prosecutor Ms Cecilia Mashingaidze. He was convicted and sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment. The ZRP said detectives are actively pursuing the outstanding suspects.
Detective Inspector Muteweri R, Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer for the Criminal Investigation Department, signed off on the press release.
Public safety and infrastructure protection
The ZRP statement underscores the risks posed by theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure, which can endanger lives, disrupt services, and impose heavy repair costs on utilities and communities. Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity around power lines and underground installations to assist ongoing investigations.
ZRP; copper cable theft; conviction 2026; Sande
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