The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced 33-year-old Phillip Zhozaya to10 years imprisonment for damaging and interfering with critical electricity infrastructure.
In a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) the offence took place on 30 January 2026 along Marvin Road in Waterfalls, Harare.
“The incident occurred on the 30th of January 2026 in Waterfalls, Harare, where Zhozaya targeted a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC) power cable,” the statement read.
The authority said the offender was found in possession of tools used to destroy essential infrastructure.
“Armed with a hacksaw and a knife, the offender cut and destroyed a 185mm x 4 core armoured copper cable belonging to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC),” the NPAZ said.
The court heard that Zhozaya’s actions were interrupted by a member of the public who witnessed the incident while driving along Marvin Road.
“The criminal activity was interrupted by a vigilant passerby, who witnessed the act while driving along the road.
He sought assistance from nearby residents and managed to apprehend the offender, handing him to ZRP Waterfalls,” NPAZ added.
In handing down the sentence, the court imposed a custodial term reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views interference with national infrastructure.
The NPAZ said the ruling aligns with its broader mandate to protect public assets and ensure offenders face deterrent penalties.
“Vandalism and theft of copper cables endanger public safety and disrupt essential services.
The NPAZ remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of infrastructure sabotage face the full wrath of the law,” the authority cautioned.
The conviction is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to curb infrastructure-related crime, which undermines national development and increases the cost of service delivery across sectors.
