Harare – A 26-year-old man, Sylvester Huche, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession of TelOne drop wires with a street value of just US$16.
The harsh sentence was handed down by the Harare Magistrates’ Court and according to the Postal and Telecommunications Act, the offence carries a mandatory 10-year sentence.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on 29 July 2024, just after midnight, when was walking along Matleybent Road in Belvedere, carrying a black plastic bag, when security guards Caleb Kuwarunza and Edmore Jombo, who were on patrol, became suspicious after spotting him travelling with a black suspicious-looking plastic bag at midnight.
Upon searching the bag, the guards found the Tel One drop wires and a pair of pliers. Huche was promptly arrested and handed over to the police. It was at the police station where his 3-metre illegal treasure was valued at US$16, leading to his appearance in court.
The National Prosecuting Authority defended the harsh punishment, stressing the need to curb theft and safeguard national infrastructure. However, some question if a decade in prison is a suitable response for possessing illegal wires worth $16.
