Four Zesa vandals nabbed

Blessings Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

Police have arrested a syndicate of four men that vandalised the Zesa transformer at Wengi Farm in Concession.

ZESA continues to intensify the “Musabe Magetsi” operation through working with police as they follow syndicates since it appears that vandalism and theft is now carried out by teams.

The arrested four are Edison Mubhawu also known as Khedha (38) from Chief Nyamukunga, Solomon Bambiko also known as Blackie (35), Lameck Magwenzi (38) and Solomon Gideon from Epworth.

They were arrested yesterday with police working under a special operation which started at midnight resulting in officers tracking the four to Epworth where the gang was netted around 2am.

ZESA general manager for loss control Mr Festo Madembo warned vandals that they risked being jailed for lengthy periods.

“We will tirelessly continue to work in collaboration with the state security agents and National Prosecuting Authority in our quest to ensure that we apprehend vandals and vandalism sponsors who are economic saboteurs and have them successfully convicted.

“We applaud citizens who assist with vital information that helps in both recovery [of equipment] and arresting of culprits. Zimbabweans are encouraged to report anyone they see vandalising national infrastructure to the nearest police station, ZACC or dial our toll-free numbers 0801888 and 0808053.”

Laws against vandalism had been tightened and even harder deterrent sentences would be imposed on those who vandalised and stole electricity infrastructure.

“ZESA, through the operation ‘Musabe Magetsi’ calls upon the nation and communities across all districts and provinces to raise their security consciousness and safeguard our national infrastructure.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders are challenged to scale up their operations to flush out criminal elements who vandalise national infrastructure,” said Mr Madembo.