8 arrested over US$320k copper cathodes

Zim Now Writer

Police have arrested eight men and recovered 14 bundles of copper cathodes valued at US$316 249 and two pistols from a syndicate in Chinhoyi.

Zimbabwe Republic Police acting CID national CID spokesperson Rachel Muteweri confirmed the development.

She said the suspects are Isheunesu Chivhava, 52, of Mungate Village under Chief Chinamhora, Domboshava; David Guvheya, 44, from Chinhoyi; Lovemore Mabota, 53, of Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza; Tadiwa Makeke, 17, of Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza; Tinashe Nyamadzawo, 35, of Zimbiru Village, Domboshava; Syllas Nyoni, 36, of Nyatsime; Edward Mapiye, 40; and Nyukai Chiramba, 37, of Bwanya Village under Chief Madamombe in Masvingo.

Chivhava, who is a truck driver, entered the country through Chirundu Border Post en route to Mozambique with the copper consignment.

He disabled his truck’s tracking system on March 9, 2023 near Lions Den in Chinhoyi and dumped the truck along Chegutu-Chakari Road, following which his employer reported the matter to the police.

The truck was recovered by police with its keys on the ignition port and the police also received information that Chivhava had offloaded the copper cathodes at David Guvheya’s house in Chinhoyi.

They recovered 14 bundles of copper cathodes and a DAF truck with a crane at Guvheya’s residence, leading to his arrest.

He implicated others, leading to Mabota’s arrest and recovery of an unregistered Tokavan pistol with 7 rounds and a Norino pistol with 8 rounds.