10 years for stealing transformer oil
Geraldine Zaranyika Herald Reporter
A Harare man was on Tuesday sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison after he was caught draining oil valued at $150 from a transformer.
Bright Chakanetsa (28) was sentenced to 10 years by Harare provincial magistrate Mrs Nyasha Vitorini for violating the Electricity Act.
The complainant in the case was the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) represented by Abisha Gideon.
Chakanetsa was caught by Gideon, a ZETDC security guard, who was doing routine checks at the power sub-station.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was convicted after a full trial. Chakanetsa said he was coming from the shops when Gideon stopped him and asked for a light.
“He grabbed my hand and accused me of draining oil from a transformer,” he said.
“He also asked me where my accomplices were. He did not want to listen to my explanation.”