Police Officer Allegedly Involved in Theft of Copper Cables and Solar Panels from Farms
A police officer, Musa Mukuli (40), who is stationed at the Nehanda police camp, has been arrested for stealing copper cables and solar panels from President Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm and the neighbouring Brownland Farm.
Mukuli, believed to be part of a group of accomplices, reportedly targeted the Sherwood Block area, where the farms are located. Their alleged theft operation was interrupted when they attempted to steal solar panels from Brownland Farm, leading to Mukuli’s arrest by vigilant security personnel.
The accused appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Ms Samukelisiwe Gumbo on charges related to the Electricity Act. He has been remanded in custody until 22 September.
According to the State, on 7 September, Mukuli and three accomplices — Brandon Ncube, William Wurayayi, and an individual known as Jameson — stole copper cables from a water pump house at Precabe Farm. While attempting the theft, they were confronted by alert security personnel. Although Mukuli managed to escape after overpowering the security team, his three companions fled the scene.
On 14 September, the group allegedly conspired to steal solar panels from Brownland Estate Farm. They successfully removed three 335-watt solar panels, which were used to power a borehole, and concealed them in a nearby bush. However, their actions were noticed by security personnel from neighbouring Precabe Farm, who tracked them down.
As the suspects tried to flee in a Honda Fit vehicle, the security team apprehended Mukuli, while the other three managed to evade capture. During subsequent interviews, the stolen solar panels were discovered hidden in a bush near the crime scene, further implicating the accused in the earlier copper cable theft.
The security personnel handed Mukuli over to the Criminal Investigation Department in Kwekwe, leading to his appearance in court.
Ms Michelle Daraja represented the State in the proceedings.
