Notorious copper thief gets 30 years imprisonment
By Auther Chimbgwa
A notorious copper thief will spend the next 30 years behind bars following his conviction and sentencing by Harare Regional Magistrate Donald Ndirowei last week.
Police spokesperson for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri confirmed John Sande (29) was sent to jail for contravening Section 60 (A) of the Electricity Act Chapter 13:19.
“On 7 February 2026 at around 10pm, the criminal, together with his accomplices Youngman Mutadza and one Gama – both still at large – proceeded to Zimunhu Road in Msasa, Harare, where they began digging up underground copper cables,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri in a statement.
“Their suspicious activities alerted nearby security personnel who quickly responded to the scene and arrested the criminal, whom they found in possession of 1.5 meters of 120mm x 4-core armoured cable.”
The matter was referred to CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit for further investigation.
The trio are now linked to three additional counts of vandalism of public utilities and infrastructure in which they would target copper cables.
“In one of the cases that occurred on 15 January 2026 at Old Tafara Shops, Harare, the criminal, together with his accomplices, cut and stole 5 meters of 120mm x 4-core underground copper cables and vanished unnoticed,” said Muteweri.
“On 20 January 2026, they targeted a school in Mabvuku, Harare where they got away with 3 meters of 120mm x 4-core underground copper cables.
“In a related matter that occurred on 28 January 2026, they allegedly cut and stole 2.5 meters of 120mm x 4-core underground copper cables in Tynwald, Harare and went away unnoticed.”
Sande is set to appear in court to face additional charges.
Police have appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
