The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
DETECTIVES in Rusape have busted a notorious gang that was vandalising telecommunication infrastructure as well as stealing solar panels and batteries, which are in high demand due to load-shedding.
Three Harare-based suspects – Fred Gwanzura (29) of Kuwadzana, Mike Mupururu (32) and Joshua Tapfumanei (30) of Westlea – were arrested on allegations of stealing solar equipment from mobile network operators Econet and NetOne.
The three were on Monday arraigned before Rusape magistrate Mr Obedience Matare facing one count of robbery and two counts of stealing 26 batteries valued at US$9 000 from the two mobile network operators’ base stations.
The three were represented by Mr Taurai Khupe of Khupe Law Chambers, and were released on $600 bail each.
The case was remanded to March 20.
Mr Marlon Makamba prosecuted.
Mr Makamba said on February 21, the three connived with four other suspects who are still at large, to proceed to Hunyani NetOne fire power base station.
“They approached the security guard, manhandled him and broke into the metal cabin where back-up solar batteries were installed. They stole nine 12-volt Shoto solar batteries, one 12-volt Exide battery, the security guard’s cellphone and satchel.
“They loaded the property into a white Toyota Raum before tying the security guard up.
“On February 28, the accused persons, with other suspects who are now fugitives from justice, pounced on Ruwanda NetOne base station in Headlands and used an unknown object to gain entrance. They broke the locks on the back-up battery room and stole eight 12-volt solar batteries.
“On the same night, they used an unknown object to gain entrance at Econet Ruwanda base station and stole eight 12-volt solar batteries.
“They were intercepted by the security guards and ran away leaving two batteries at the scene.
“Investigations were carried out, leading to the arrest of the accused persons,” said Mr Makamba.
