mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
A SOUTH Africa-based cross-border transporter has been arrested after being found in possession of copper cables.
Bongisani Ndlovu (44) of Pumula North was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda regional magistrate, Ms Sithembiso Ndebele, facing a charge of cutting, damaging, or destroying apparatus for electricity transmission.
Prosecutor, Mr Shepherd Moyo, said Ndlovu was intercepted in a bushy area near Gwanda Lithium Mine in the Mandihongola area by security officers guarding the mine.
“On December 13, at around 8pm, Ndlovu and others still at large were seen passing near Gwanda Lithium Mine by security officers guarding the mine in a Toyota Fortuner with a South African number plate.
“They were observed offloading a heap of copper cables from the vehicle.
“They proceeded to burn the copper to process it. The security guards ambushed the gang, but the others fled while Ndlovu was apprehended.
“The matter was reported to the police, who attended the scene, and the vehicle, copper and tools used were recovered,” he said.
In his submissions opposing bail for Ndlovu, who was represented by Mr Nqobani Sithole of Ncube and Partners, Mr Moyo argued that the accused is facing a serious offence with a mandatory sentence of 10 years, which might prompt him to flee the country.
He stated that there is overwhelming evidence against the accused, as his vehicle was recovered at the scene alongside copper cables and tools suspected to have been used in committing the offence.
“The State opposes bail, as there is substantial evidence placing the accused at the scene of the crime. The accused is facing a serious charge and his ties to South Africa make it easier for him to abscond and start a new life there,” he said.
However, Mr Sithole argued that his client is a law-abiding citizen involved in a legitimate business and would not abscond if granted bail. He stated that his client was even prepared to surrender his passport to the authorities.
Mr Sithole also contended that his client had no reason to flee, as he had not committed the offence. He claimed that Ndlovu was delivering goods in the Mandihongola area when he was confronted by the security officers, who accused him of stealing copper.
Ndlovu was remanded in custody until today for bail ruling. — @DubeMatutu
