It is the State’s case that on 15 September 2011 a Zesa official disconnected the premises for a debt of $8 376,53. Using an 18 meter cable, Magushu then diverted electricity from his neighbour, Oil Spill Bottle, to his premises.
The matter only came to light after a Zesa employee, Taulani Magumise, acting on a tip-off, inquired and confirmed the act. Maguchu denied the charges, saying he only got to know of the offence on 10 November 2011. He blamed his manager, Cosmas Chiadzwa, who has since left his employ.
Prosecutor Tendai Shonhayi managed to prove that Maguchu knew the electricity was obtained from an illegal source. Mbare Magistrate, Elijah Makomo, said tampering with electricity was a criminal offence. As Maguchu was a first offender employing six breadwinners, he was given the option of a fine.