BULAWAYO – A 44-year-old man, Robert Mutasa, a former manager at Telecel Zimbabwe, is facing charges of theft involving generators and other essential equipment valued at approximately US$145,000. Mutasa, a resident of Bradfield suburb in Bulawayo, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mr Joseph Mabeza, last week. He was remanded in custody until a bail hearing. His lawyer is Mr Bruce Israel Masamvu of Masamvu & Da Silva-Gustavo Law Chambers.
The prosecution, led by Mr Dominic Moyo, alleges that Mutasa’s alleged criminal activities spanned from January 2022 until his arrest. The thefts, according to the prosecution, were not confined to a single location. Mr Moyo detailed a wide-ranging operation, stating that Mutasa’s alleged thieving extended across numerous Bulawayo suburbs. These included Nketa, Makokoba, Northend, Riverside, Nkulumane, Mpopoma, Emakhandeni, Matsheumhlope, Richmond, Sauerstown, Hillcrest, and Waterford.
The alleged thefts didn’t stop at Bulawayo’s city limits; the prosecution’s case suggests Mutasa’s alleged activities reached further afield. Mr Moyo informed the court that Mutasa’s alleged criminal activities also extended to areas such as Lochard, Guyu, Northgate, Banda, Lupane, Queens Mine, Mbokodo, West Nicholson, Dadaya, and Tamba. In each instance, the modus operandi remained consistent: Mutasa allegedly informed security personnel guarding the equipment that he was taking it for routine maintenance.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Mutasa’s alleged actions were not limited to generators. Mr Moyo stated that Mutasa was found in possession of stolen radios and other equipment. A key piece of evidence cited by the prosecution was the testimony of a Telecel colleague who witnessed Mutasa stealing equipment.
This witness’s testimony led police to the recovery of thirteen 13kva generators, which Mutasa had allegedly sold. The prosecution further revealed that some of the stolen equipment and generators were being sold under various payment plans.
The state strongly opposed bail for Mutasa, citing several reasons. Mr Moyo argued that Mutasa poses a flight risk, highlighting his possession of a valid passport and his financial means.
He stated, “The accused owns a valid passport and he is a man of means, therefore, if granted bail he may flee, looking at the amount involved. The accused might interfere with investigations and there is a likelihood of interfering with evidence or State witnesses if admitted to bail.”
The prosecution also pointed out the geographical spread of witnesses, some located as far as Hwange and Victoria Falls, further strengthening their argument against bail.
The prosecution’s concerns extended beyond the risk of flight. Mr Moyo expressed fears that Mutasa, if released on bail, could hinder the ongoing investigation.
He stated, “Therefore, if granted bail, the accused might make it his mission that it is never recovered. The accused is likely to abscond, as he is facing a serious crime, which has overwhelming evidence of recovered property, when a convicted accused may be sentenced to quite a lengthy sentence. The accused is likely to commit other offences, seeing that he has been suspended from work.”
