Five arrested in major copper theft case in Kadoma

ZIMSPHERE

KADOMA – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Monday the arrest of five individuals in connection with a significant copper theft case. The incident occurred at Ngwarati Mine, Turf, Kadoma on April 14, 2024, around 10:30 a.m.

Image: Adobe Stock

The arrested individuals are Donald Magaya (23), Onismo Magaya (26), Takudzwa Mango (25), Rabson Mandini (23), and Innocent Chafera (38). 

Acting on received information, Kadoma police intercepted the suspects who were traveling in two white Toyota GD6 motor vehicles, registration numbers AFU 4025 and AGH 4138, near Ngezi Services Garage, Turf, Kadoma. 

"On seeing the police, the suspects' accomplice, Kupakwashe Mutizira, fled from the scene. 

"The police conducted a search and recovered copper cables weighing 2,572 kilograms valued at US$48,360.00. 

"Subsequently, the four suspects were arrested," said Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson. 

The four suspects "were interviewed" and implicated Innocent Chafera as their accomplice.

He was arrested "while hiding in a disused mining shaft".

The ZRP is currently seeking information leading to the arrest of the outstanding suspect, Kupakwashe Mutizira.

In a related development, the ZRP is also seeking information leading to the arrest of a foreign national, Francis Chikopa (45), in connection with a separate copper theft case that occurred between March 30 and 31, 2024. 

Chikopa was driving a white Howo Sinotruk loaded with 36 tonnes of copper in transit from Zambia to Mozambique. 

The copper was offloaded at an unknown location, and the truck was later found dumped at Macheke Business Centre, Macheke.

The ZRP urges anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report at any nearest police station.