A 45-year-old Hatcliff man was arrested after he allegedly cut and stole 43 metres of ZESA earth wire from an 11KV power line along Borrowdale Road in Harare.
The wire was later recovered by detectives who were conducting surveillance in the area.
Takunda Bhora, of Hatcliff, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act.
The complainant is the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), represented by Loss Control Officer Kennard Nyamukubva.
According to State allegations, on September 10, 2026, at around 6am, Bhora allegedly hatched a plan to steal ZESA cables from an 11KV power line opposite Hatcliff Market along Borrowdale Road.
He allegedly proceeded to the power line and cut two pieces of 7/12 earth wire measuring a combined 43 metres.
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The wire, which was used as a lightning arrester, had been installed on the ground.
The court heard that after cutting the wire, Bhora folded the two pieces, concealed them in a yellow sack and took them to House Number 6367, Hatcliff Extension, where he allegedly intended to sell them.
Detectives from CID MFFU Harare, who were conducting surveillance in the area, intercepted Bhora at the house.
A search of the yellow sack led to the recovery of the stolen earth wire.
Bhora was subsequently arrested and allegedly led detectives to the crime scene where he had cut the wire.
The recovered earth wire was positively identified by the complainant as ZETDC property.
The total value of the stolen and damaged property was assessed at US$215, and the recovered wire was produced as an exhibit.
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