Copper Cable Thieves Plunge Lalapanzi into Darkness

The chrome mining town of Lalapanzi in the Midlands province has been plunged into darkness after suspected thieves pounced on a transformer and stole copper cables as well as transformer oil. The vandalism, which occurred at Hargley Farm in Lalapanzi, has resulted in a loss of property valued at over US$3,000 .

According to Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the thieves made off with approximately eight meters of four-core armored cables and about 25 liters of transformer oil. The community was left in darkness after the transformer was vandalized and left lying on the ground .

Mahoko said police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and appealed to anyone with information to report to the nearest police station. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure seriously affects the livelihoods of citizens and retards national economic development," he said .

The police are appealing for information concerning any persons engaging in unlawful copper dealings. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and report to the nearest police station