The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent—
A 30-YEAR-OLD Chimanimani man and two accomplices who are still at large allegedly stole electricity transformer oil worth $80 000.Farai Muchiya of Tiya Village under Chief Muusha’s area of Chimanimani pleaded not guilty when he appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing theft charges last Wednesday.
Representing the State, Mr Regis Mawarire, said from May 1 to September 30 this year, Farai Muchiya and two accomplices, Hillary Mhlanga and Elijah Muchiya allegedly drained electricity transformer oil from seven sub-stations in Chimanimani.
“The substations include Gwindingwi Workshop (12x25litres), Gwindingwi Fairview (3,5x 25l), Tiya Business Centre (3x25l), Majeje Farm (6 x25l) , Biriri Business Centre (4x 25l), Manzou Village (4x25l) and Biriiri Primary Sub-stations (10x25l),” he said.
Mr Mawarire said Mhlanga would climb the H-poles to reach the transformer and connected a pipe which they used to drain the oil.
“Mhlanga unlocked the lock valves using a shifting spanner. Farai Muchiya would hold the other end of the pipes directing the oil into 25-litre containers, while Elijah Muchiya would carry the containers to a hiding place. They used cars to transport the loaded containers to their homesteads.
“The theft was discovered by a plumber who had passed through one of the substations. He discovered some footprints and drops of oil. He reported the matter to ZESA offices in Chimanimani.
“There were disruptions of power supplies in the area, prompting ZESA employees to attend the fault. This resulted in the arrest of Muhiya,” he added.
Mr Mawarire said a ZESA Chimanimani District loss control officer, Mr Hebert Manzou, also instituted investigations which led to Farai Muchiya’s arrest.
“Mr Manzou discovered some footprints at some of the substations which led to Farai Muchiya’s homestead.
“The accused was not there and Mr Manzou approached his wife. Mr Manzou and his team conducted a search which led to the recovery of Farai Muchiya’s clothes which were drenched by electricity transformer oil.
“He also found diesel mixed by with transformer oil. The diesel was being sold to unsuspecting motorists,” said Mr Mawarire.
Asked why he committed the offence, Farai Muchiya said he was assisting his colleagues to transport the oil to their homesteads.
“Your Worship, I was not part of the syndicate. I was just called by my colleagues to assist them to transport loaded oil to their homestead,” he said.
The matter was adjourned to today (Friday) for continuation of trial.
Farai Muchiya was denied bail.
