Thief climbs high electric tower to run from angry mob

Dingani, a 22-year-old thief, was found atop a 30-meter light tower in Zimbabwe’s Rimuka area after failing to steal solar panels.

People chased the suspect near Nherera Bar on Masvaure Street. He hid by climbing a tall building.

As things worsened, Dingani, upset, promised to jump off the tower. People feared the worst. The incident started around 4 a.m. and went on for almost three hours while police and locals tried to cool him down.

A brave man from the area named Tafadzwa Maxwell “Agaga” Mwanyisa took things into his own hands. Even though his wife begged him not to, Tafadzwa climbed the tower in a risky attempt to save Dingani.

“I dedicated myself to save this guy,” Tafadzwa said. “When I reached the top, I offered him money for his favourite drink and convinced him to drop the knife and electric shocker he had. Thankfully, he did.”

Tafadzwa’s efforts paid off, and Dingani was brought down safely from the tower. He was later taken to Rimuka police station under heavy security.

Shocked residents described Dingani’s suspicious behaviour the night before the attempted theft, with one local, Shylet, expressing concern for community safety. “He had been loitering outside all night, and my mother was scared to leave the house. It turns out he was planning to steal our neighbour’s solar panels,” she said.