H-Metro
Arron Nyamayaro
A TEENAGER was among three transformer vandals sentenced to 20 years in prison by a regional magistrate in Chiredzi last week.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Assistant Inspector Rachael Muteweri, warned the youths from being hoodwinked into criminal networks.
He said the law will not spare them because of their age.
Israel Ngorima, 18, of Mugawa Village, Chief Marozva in Bikita, Julias Mazhetese, 27, and Caution Masunda, 26, all of Mazhetese Village, Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka, appeared before a regional magistrate following their arrest for vandalism of public utilities and infrastructure.
Det Ass-Insp Muteweri said the trio were each convicted and sentenced to 20 years in jail on two counts of vandalism of ZESA transformers.
Caution Masunda will have to serve an effective 40-year jail term.
Julias Mazhetese
“Police would like to thank members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest, conviction and sentencing of three transformer vandals,” said Det Ass-Insp Muteweri.
“Circumstances were that on March 10, police officers on patrol near Harava area in Zaka intercepted the accused persons who were carrying suspicious bags.
“Searches were carried out leading to the recovery of various spanners, torches, a bolt cutter, scale, catapult and various clothes.
“Upon further interviews, the accused persons admitted to having vandalised a transformer at Muparuri Primary School and another at Muchechetere High School, Zaka.
Caution Masunda
“It was further unearthed that between December 31, 2022 and February 24, 2023, Caution Masunda, together with his accomplices Dereck, Gody, Eddison Mazhetese, Owen, Prince, Jephias Chese and Farai, aka Gunners, who are still at large, committed similar offences at four other schools in Zaka.
“The accused persons were taken to Court where they were remanded to March 14 for sentencing after they pleaded guilty to the charges.
“On March 24, the trio were subsequently convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each while Caution Masunda was sentenced to another 20-year jail term for the offences he committed with his accomplices who are still at large.”
“We are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects,” said Det Ass-Insp Muteweri.
