Man shot while vandalising NRZ equipment

Audrey Galawu

A vandal suspect was on Monday shot and injured after being caught by the National Railways of Zimbabwe security officers vandalising telephone poles and hangers in Headlands, Manicaland Province.

The suspect was arrested and handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police while his other accomplices escaped.

Speaking to Zim Now, NRZ spokesperson Andrew Kunambura said a manhunt has been launched for those who escaped.

“We want to warn these vandals that the long arm of the law will always catch them and the law will take its full course.

“Our officers, working with police, are doing a great job in apprehending them and also the courts can be commended for imposing stiffer penalties on those vandalising this important national infrastructure.

“We applaud the fact that the justice delivery system is helping that cause,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his statement for the 2021 annual report, NRZ’s Board Chairman, Advocate Martin Dinha said the organisation is facilitating security services training and awareness programmes, and ensuring close collaboration between NRZ and the country’s security apparatus to combat theft and vandalism effectively.

“The NRZ’s proactive approach, including employment incentives for whistle-blowers and collaboration with security agencies, demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding its infrastructure and ensuring the safety of its operations,” he said.

NRZ General Manager, Respina Zinyanduko said employment incentives would be provided to whistle-blowers who provide information leading to the recovery of stolen property.

“We are offering jobs to our informers. In some instances, members of the community will advise NRZ that someone is in possession of stolen NRZ property. Such people, we have always tried to incorporate them into our Loss Control Department. So, as to encourage other would-be informers to also do the same.

“The NRZ has been actively incorporating individuals who have alerted them about stolen NRZ property into their Loss Control Department, thereby demonstrating their commitment to rewarding informers and encouraging others to follow suit,” she said.

She also highlighted that Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Midlands are the most affected by these criminal activities.

Last November, the NRZ reported a loss of US$16 925 worth of property in only two months.