Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-04-09 04:52:35
A massive copper heist has shocked authorities, as over $300,000 worth of copper vanished in an alleged truck driver scheme. The brazen act, resembling a plot from a high-stakes crime novel, involved a truck driver named Francis Chipoka from Zambia, who disappeared along with 36 tonnes of copper en route from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Mozambique. The incident has sparked a widespread investigation and a fervent call for justice.
Chipoka was driving the copper for City Frontiers Transport, a company based in Lusaka. However, he and the valuable cargo disappeared without a trace, prompting both the company and authorities to offer a reward for any information leading to Chipoka’s arrest. The gravity of the theft is highlighted by the fact that the consignment was tracked using a Howo Sinotruk super-link truck, which was equipped with a tracking system.
The truck was last recorded on its journey towards Mozambique before it was found abandoned in the central business district of Macheke, opposite Vegono Supermarket. Instead of the copper, the truck was filled with empty wooden boxes typically used for transporting bananas. However, the original consignment documents were left behind, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Police reports indicated that the truck had parked at Knors Petroleum in Marondera along the Harare-Mutare highway, suggesting a meticulously planned route. The investigation has expanded to consider whether the copper was removed before or after crossing into Zimbabwe, hinting at a possible cross-border criminal network involved in the heist.
The audacious nature of the theft has raised significant concerns about the security of cargo transportation and the increasing boldness of such crimes. City Frontiers Transport is reeling from the incident, while authorities are intensifying the search for Chipoka and urging anyone with information to come forward. Their hope is to untangle this complex case and restore a sense of security to international trade routes.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that this is not just a simple case of theft, but a sophisticated operation that involved careful planning and execution. The authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the puzzle and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In conclusion, the vanishing of over $300,000 worth of copper in this alleged truck driver scheme is a serious crime that has sent shockwaves through the industry. The audacity and complexity of the operation have posed challenges for investigators, but they remain determined to solve the case and hold the responsible parties accountable. The search for justice continues as authorities explore leads and gather evidence to unravel the mystery of the disappeared copper.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
