Copper Cables Thieves Offer Police Officers US$200 Bribe In Masvingo

Two men were arrested on Boxing Day in Masvingo after being caught loading burnt copper cables into sacks at a property in Westview.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the pair allegedly attempted to bribe officers with a US$200 note following their apprehension.

A subsequent search of the house led to the recovery of several electrical copper cables and copper rewinds. The ZRP said:

“On 26/12/25, Police in Masvingo acted on a tip-off and arrested Tinashe Zengeya (31), Roane Kembo (44) and Willium Tunhuma (41) for unlawful possession of copper cables.

“The suspects were apprehended at a house in Westview while loading burnt copper cables into sacks.

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of several electrical copper cables and copper rewinds.

“During the arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the police, resulting in an additional charge of bribery.

“The USD 200 offered as a bribe was seized and recorded as an exhibit.”

Under the Copper Control Amendment Act (Act No. 6 of 2022) and the Electricity Act, the theft of copper cables in Zimbabwe carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, with no option of a fine.

Anyone who unlawfully tampers with, damages, or steals copper cables from essential infrastructure, including ZESA, NRZ, or TelOne, is liable to this mandatory minimum sentence.

Similarly, possession of copper without a valid Certificate of Origin also attracts a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

Related:

Teenager Arrested For Stealing ZESA Copper Cables In Harare Thief Jailed 10 Years For Stealing Signal Cable Worth Less Than US$100