Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, said that the power utility, ZESA Holdings, has lost 6,000 transformers countrywide to thieves, making it difficult for the company to effectively deliver on its mandate.
Responding to Murehwa South legislator Noah Mangondo (ZANU PF) during a Question-and-Answer session, Moyo said the country currently doesn’t have the capacity to manufacture enough electricity transformers to replace those that have been stolen. He said:
<blockquote>
The main problem we are facing is vandalism of infrastructure, and as we speak, 6,000 transformers were stolen countrywide. We have no capacity locally to produce enough to replace them timeously.
For the wooden poles, the policy we now have is that we replace them with concrete ones which are more durable.
</blockquote>
Mangondo had demanded to know the government’s policy on replacing damaged or vandalised electricity transmission infrastructure for learning institutions and health centres, which sometimes go months without power.
According to a recent report, ZESA reported losing over US$2 million in equipment to theft and vandalism between January and October 2024.
The power utility detailed the theft of nearly 30 tonnes of copper conductors worth US$600,000 and 10 tonnes of aluminum conductors valued at US$103,000. 
Additionally, 1,543 litres of transformer oil worth US$7,700 were stolen, and 136 transformers sustained damage costing US$848,558. Vandals also removed bolts and nuts from high-voltage pylons, leading to damages over US$4,300.
In total, ZESA recorded 1,317 incidents of theft and vandalism, resulting in losses of US$2,163,207.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/energy-minister-says-zimbabwe-has-lost-6000-transformers-to-vandalism/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Pindula News

The Energy Minister said that ZESA has lost 6,000 transformers to thieves which is making it hard for the company to provide electricity. The country doesn't have enough transformers to replace the stolen ones. The thieves are also causing damage to other equipment like power lines and oil. This has cost ZESA over $2 million. The government is trying to come up with ways to prevent these thefts and vandalism. Schools and hospitals are sometimes left without power because of these thefts.

Energy Minister Says ZESA Has Lost 6,000 Transformers To Thieves

The City of Harare has suspended water pumping to several western suburbs following the theft and vandalism of critical water infrastructure.
On Wednesday, the local authority confirmed that thieves had stolen straps securing major pipes between Morton Jaffray Waterworks and the Marimba reservoirs, causing treated water to leak out.
As a result, the water supply to Mufakose, Glenview, and Budiriro has been halted until the necessary repairs are completed. The council said:
<blockquote>
Heartless thieves stole straps holding our major pipes from Morton Jaffray Waterworks to Marimba reservoirs. As a result, we have stopped pumping water to Mufakose, Glenview and Budiriro until the pipe is repaired.
We will be giving residents regular updates on the situation. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
The council’s decision to halt the water supply will leave residents in the affected high-density suburbs without access to clean water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
With limited access to safe water, residents may turn to unsafe sources such as rivers and wells, further increasing the potential for illness.
Schools in these areas may face challenges in maintaining proper hygiene standards, which could lead to closures or reduced attendance.

Thieves in Harare stole important pipes that carry water to Mufakose, Glenview, and Budiriro. The city had to stop sending water to these areas until the pipes are fixed. People in these neighborhoods might get sick from drinking dirty water. Schools could have a hard time staying clean, and some might have to close. The council is sorry for the inconvenience and will give updates as they fix the pipes.

Thieves Strike Harare Water Pipes Leaving Mufakose, Glenview, And Budiriro Dry

Four men were arrested in Mutoko, Mashonaland East this week for allegedly vandalising Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) transformers and stealing armoured cables at Mushimbo and Rukau Business Centres.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests in a statement on their official X page, saying the suspects were apprehended at a roadblock on Harare-Nyamapanda Road on Monday. Police said:
<blockquote>
Police in Mutoko acted on received information and arrested Anderson Takawira alias Tatenda Vambe (30) , Isaac Vheremu (38), Trymore Bona (30) and Archford Chiyangwa (25) at a roadblock along Harare Nyamapanda Road on 27/01/25 in connection with vandalism of a ZETDC transformer and theft of armoured cables.
The arrest led to the recovery of the suspects’ getaway car, a Toyota Aqua , reg number AGF 9536, bolts, nuts, two scales , spanners, a knife and armoured cables.
The suspects are being linked to a case of vandalism of a ZETDC transformer at Mushimbo Business Centre where transformer oil was stolen on 27/01/25 and a case of theft of ZETDC copper cables at Rukau Business Centre, Mutoko on 27/01/25 where a transformer was vandalised before armoured cables were stolen.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Caleb Chivhanga (25) of Chinhoyi has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing 0.85g of copper without a license, in violation of the Copper Control Act [Chapter 14:06].
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chivhanga was found with bundled copper wire on January 1, 2025, at Musakwa Village in Chinhoyi.

Four men were caught by police in Mutoko for breaking transformers and stealing cables from ZETDC. The men were arrested at a roadblock and their car, tools, and stolen cables were found. They were linked to stealing transformer oil and copper cables from two different places. The suspects are now in trouble for their crimes.

Four Suspects Held In Mutoko For ZETDC Transformer Vandalism And Cable Theft

Police have arrested five people on allegations of vandalising a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) transformer at Mazezuru Secondary School in Mudzi, Mutoko, on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the arrest of the suspects resulted in the recovery of 60 kilograms of copper windings, two bolt cutters, a shift spanner, two kitchen knives, and their getaway vehicle. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms the arrest of Phillip Chitawa (43), Steven Nyakabau (31), Patson Gurupira (28), Clayton Nyakatonje (24) and Marry Ngono (33) for vandalism of a 100 KW ZETDC transformer at Mazezuru Secondary School, Mudzi, Mutoko on 23/01/25.
The arrest led to the recovery of 60 kilogrammes of copper windings, two bolt cutters, a shift spanner, two kitchen knives and the suspects’ getaway car, a Toyota Chaser, registration number ADD 1539.
The suspects are also linked to a case of vandalism of ZETDC transformer which occurred at Chingwena Secondary School, Nyamapanda in December 2024.
</blockquote>
In August 2024, a 41-year-old man from Zvishavane, Midlands Province, received a 10-year prison sentence for vandalising electricity infrastructure.
Emmanuel Sibanda appeared before the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act.
He was specifically accused of cutting, damaging, destroying, or interfering with apparatus used for generating, transmitting, distributing, or supplying electricity.
ZESA Executive Chairman Sydney Gata highlighted that, over the five years leading up to June 2024, there have been 7,186 cases of vandalism, resulting in a staggering cost of US$24.4 million.

Five people were arrested for damaging an electricity transformer. They were caught with copper, tools, and a car. They were also connected to a similar case at another school. In another incident, a man received a 10-year jail sentence for the same crime. The electricity company said vandalism costs a lot of money.

Five Arrested For Vandalising Electricity Transformer In Mudzi

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) lost over US$2 million worth of electricity transmission and distribution equipment to theft and vandalism between January and October of this year, reported <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/us2m-zesa-equipment-lost-to-theft">The Sunday Mail</a>.
The power utility reported that nearly 30 tonnes of copper conductors, valued at US$600,000, and 10 tonnes of aluminium conductors, worth US$103,000, were stolen during this period.
In addition, thieves siphoned off 1,543 litres of transformer oil, valued at US$7,700. A total of 136 transformers, critical to the electricity transmission process, were vandalised, resulting in losses of US$848,558.
Vandals also targeted bolts and nuts from high-voltage pylons, causing damages exceeding US$4,300.
In total, ZESA recorded 1,317 incidents of theft and vandalism, amounting to a staggering US$2,163,207 in losses.
Harare Region saw 12 transformers worth US$114,200 vandalised, alongside the theft of 5,895 kilograms of copper conductors valued at US$11,790.
The Northern Region (which includes Chinhoyi, Kadoma, and Bindura) reported losses of US$607,250, including the destruction of 43 transformers valued at US$378,000.
The Eastern Region, covering Manicaland and parts of Masvingo provinces, experienced equipment thefts totalling US$190,810, including 23 transformers worth US$99,058.
The Western Region, including Bulawayo and parts of Matabeleland, suffered losses of US$742,106. 
The Southern Region, covering parts of Masvingo, Gweru, and Kwekwe, incurred damages of US$157,824.
The rise in thefts and vandalism has been attributed, in part, to prolonged power outages, which have made ZESA infrastructure vulnerable.
With power supply disrupted in some areas, criminals have found it easier to steal essential components, further exacerbating the country’s energy crisis.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA, the power company in Zimbabwe, lost over US$2 million because of theft and vandalism in 10 months. Thieves stole copper and aluminum conductors, transformer oil, transformers, bolts, and nuts. The thefts and vandalism caused a total of 1,317 incidents, leading to huge losses for ZESA. Different regions in Zimbabwe, like Harare, Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern, all suffered losses. The increase in theft and vandalism is linked to frequent power outages, making ZESA's equipment more vulnerable. This problem is making the country's energy crisis worse.

Theft And Vandalism Cost ZESA Over US$2 Million In 10 Months

A 26-year-old Harare man, Sylvester Huche, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Huche was found guilty of unlawful possession of 3 meters of TelOne drop wires, in contravention of the Postal and Telecommunications Act.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on July 29, 2024, at around 12:15 AM, when Huche was walking along Matleybent Road in Belvedere, carrying a black plastic bag.
Caleb Kuwarunza and Edmore Jombo, who were conducting security checks in the area, intercepted Huche and searched him, finding the 3 meters of TelOne drop wires and a pair of pliers in his possession.
The recovered wires were valued at US$16. Huche was immediately arrested and handed over to the police.
The court has imposed the mandatory penalty of 10 years imprisonment on Huche.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named Sylvester Huche has been sent to jail for 10 years for having stolen TelOne wires worth US$16. He was caught by security guards with the wires and pliers in a bag while walking in Belvedere. The wires were taken from him and he was arrested by the police. The court decided to give him a punishment of 10 years in prison for breaking the law.

Man Sentenced To 10 Years Over Stolen TelOne Wires Worth US$16

Leo Kambande (25) of Banket, Mashonaland West Province, was recently arraigned before the Bindura Magistrates’ Court facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act.
The State proved that on April 13, 2024, at around 8:00 AM, Kambande gained unauthorised access to stand 2021 China Africa in Glendale, where a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) transformer is located.
He cut through the fence to enter the premises.
Guards on patrol interrupted him as he was tampering with the transformer. Kambande attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended after a brief chase.
The incident was promptly reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
An assessment of the damage revealed that the transformer’s top lid had been opened, its oil had been drained, and the copper rods inside had been folded.
The total value of the vandalised transformer was estimated at US$92,000.
After a full trial, Kambande was found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in prison, with 3 years suspended on the condition that he pay restitution of US$92,000 to ZETDC by December 31, 2024.
The theft and vandalism of ZETDC equipment reportedly incur costs exceeding US$2 million annually for the parastatal.
In 2023, ZETDC documented 1,569 cases of vandalism and theft, resulting in 172 arrests and 33 convictions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Banket Man Gets 13 Years For Damaging ZESA Transformer

40-year-old Farai Moyo from Riverdale farm in Banket was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Rusape Magistrate for contravening the Railways Act.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on 4 August 2023, Moyo, together with Never Kasasa, a man only known as Baba Rudo and Forward Isaac Marambanyika who are still at large, planned to steal National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) signal poles along the railway line that links Headlands to Bardley. The NPA added:
<blockquote>
The accused persons left the poles hidden in a bush along the railway line. A patrol officer on duty traced the spoor down after noticing that the poles had been cut and spotted the treasure hidden in a nearby bush. He informed his superior who reported the matter to the Police.
The informant and another NRZ employee were joined by police officers and set up an ambush at the crime scene. On the 6th of August 2023 at around 0400hrs the accused persons arrived at the scene driving a five-tonne truck.
Never Kasasa who was driving, parked the vehicle and switched the lights off. The other suspects loaded the signal poles into the truck. They ran away after the informant fired shots into the air and also hit the tyres of the vehicle.
</blockquote>
Police officers seized the vehicle, searched it and found a wallet containing Kasasa’s particulars and a satchel which contained two hacksaws, hacksaw blades together with some clothes and shoes.
Moyo was arrested the following day.
The value of the vandalised National Railways of Zimbabwe property was worth US$2 300.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Banket Man (40) Imprisoned 10 Years For Stealing NRZ Signal Poles

TelOne says it lost US$1 million in 2023 as a result of vandalism and theft of cable and other network infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday last week in Harare, TelOne CEO, Lawrence Nkala said there is an urgent need to replace the copper network as it is prone to vandalism. Nkala said (<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/telone-loses-us1m-to-vandalism/">via Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
TelOne is facing serious theft of copper cables and other network elements across the country.
The theft and vandalism have been so rife, that it has become one of the top threats to the sustainability of the TelOne business.
While Harare has been significantly affected by this vice, mining towns like Kadoma, Kwekwe and Gweru have also been hit hard, with some areas going without service for months.
In 2023, almost 50,000 TelOne customers were at some point affected by downtime due to network theft and vandalism.
During the year, Harare recorded 126 cases, followed by Midlands which recorded 75 during the period under review. Matabeleland North had the least number of attacks recording 4.
The number of arrests during the period amounted to 38 while only 4 convictions were recorded. The value of the vandalized network for the year 2023 stood at around US$1m.
</blockquote>
The replacement of the copper network which is now outdated and continues to be subjected to widespread network vandalism has become urgent.
To combat the widespread vandalism of its network infrastructure, Nkala said TelOne has partnered with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and other state security agencies to step up patrols at the country’s borders to control the smuggling of stolen copper.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

TelOne Loses US$1 Million To Vandalism

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has urged the Government regulate the trade in scrap metal to curb vandalism of the railway network.
The parastatal says it has spent nearly US$1 million replacing equipment and rail components vandalised by illegal gold miners or stolen by copper cable thieves.
NRZ public affairs and stakeholder relations manager Andrew Kunambura told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/vandals-cost-nrz-us1m">The Sunday Mail</a> that thieves are also targetting ballast along railway lines.
Ballast is a layer of crushed stone or gravel that is placed on top of the subgrade and under the railroad ties.
It provides support for the ties and tracks, and it also helps to drain water away from the tracks. Said Kunambura:
<blockquote>
Illegal gold miners are digging holes and tunnels that cut across the railway lines.
The effect of such destruction is an increased derailments and accidents.
The NRZ is also experiencing theft of ballast along the railway network.
Such ballast is used to construct houses and some are taken with the belief of extracting gold ore from it.
This is particularly frequent on the Harare-Bindura and Shamva line, and the Kadoma-Eiffel Flats line.
The effect of such theft results in potential derailments and train accidents.
Due to the proliferation of scrap dealing, we have witnessed a rise in the theft of scrap in our yards throughout the system.
To ameliorate the dire situation, there is a need for scrap dealers to be regulated so that they apply due diligence when procuring such scrap.
</blockquote>
Kunambura said between January and December last year, NRZ dealt with 52 cases of copper theft and 49 related to the destruction of rail properties.
Between January and October, the NRZ handled 27 cases of theft and vandalism.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

NRZ Pleads For The Regulation Of Scrap Metal Dealers

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) says it has spent nearly US$1 million replacing vandalised and stolen equipment and rail components, with illegal gold miners and copper cable thieves the main culprits.
NRZ public affairs and stakeholder relations manager Andrew Kunambura <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/vandals-cost-nrz-us1m">was quoted as saying</a>:
<blockquote>
The impact of the destruction of NRZ infrastructure has been costly in terms of financial outlays for replacing the stolen and vandalised materials and equipment.
It is estimated that the organisation has spent more than US$1 million to replace the material or equipment that has been vandalised or stolen.
</blockquote>
Kunambura said the vandalism and theft of the company’s infrastructure have disturbed communication and the smooth movement of trains. He said:
<blockquote>
Just like other utilities, NRZ has become a victim of criminality, which ranges from general theft of copper cables, theft of rail components, and wanton destruction of rail setups or formations, particularly the removal of ballast and unwarranted digging near and across the railway line by illegal miners.
The impact of such theft has culminated in train communication challenges and hindered the smooth movement of trains across the whole system.
</blockquote>
Most of the affected lines were Harare-Bindura-Shamva; Kadoma-Eiffel Flats; Gweru-Kwekwe; Gweru-Shangani; Somabhula-Zvishavane; and Bulawayo-Gwanda.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thieves And Vandals Cost NRZ US$1 Million

Two billboards promoting CCC presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa in Bulawayo were vandalised either on Monday night or in the wee hours of Tuesday morning in Bulawayo by unknown assailants.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/ccc-billboards-vandalised-in-bulawayo/">CITE</a> reported that one of the vandalised billboards was on 15th Avenue, opposite the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, while the other was in Queens Park East Suburb.
CCC official Swithern Chirowodza told CITE that the use of fire by the suspects should have attracted the attention of security services but that was not the case. He said:
<blockquote>
The use of fires to destroy property would under normal circumstances have attracted the attention of police and the army but it has not.
We have been watching the situation since morning and there has been no reaction from the security sector. That on its own tells us a story.
The arson from our point of view, that is judging from the debris left on the crime scene, is a notch above ordinary civilian capability.
</blockquote>
<img decoding="async" src="https://cite.org.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/KB-CCC-Billboard-at-15th-Ave-780x470.jpeg"/>
He said the opposition believes the destruction of their billboards was being done by people who have the backing of state security.
Recently, a senior police officer in Midlands province was berated by Deputy Minister of Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi after a ZANU PF activist was arrested for allegedly destroying CCC posters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two CCC Billboards Vandalised In Bulawayo

State-owned telecommunications company, TelOne, says an increase in cases of network theft and vandalism is threatening its operations.
TelOne head of corporate communications, Melody Harry said in 2022, network vandalism incidents rose by 20.7% compared to the prior year and this cost the company more than US$500 000. <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/vandalism-crippling-telone/">Said Harry</a>:
<blockquote>
The business is also under threat due to network theft and vandalism, especially on the copper network, with at least US$510,000 being recorded in lost revenue and network elements for the period ending 31 December 2022.
These losses stemmed from 402 network vandalism incidents being recorded during the year translating to a 20.7 percent increase compared to the prior year.
A total of 51 500 clients were affected by vandalism-induced downtime in 2022, amounting to a 30 percent increase from 39 965 clients that were affected in 2021.
Resultantly, the need to replace the copper network with optic fibre and wireless solutions has become more urgent as these solutions are not only less susceptible to vandalism but also significantly improve the quality of experience.
To this end, funding options continue to be pursued for the phased replacement of the copper network.
</blockquote>
She said that despite the challenges in the operating environment, TelOne managed to post an inflation-adjusted operating profit of ZWL$7.1 billion up from the ZWL$4.3 billion achieved in the previous year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Vandalism Cost TelOne US$510 000

Villagers from Ward 2 in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province, allegedly vandalised a security fence that was erected around Neshuro District Hospital in order to create a shorter route to the hospital.
Mwenezi East legislator Master Makope decried the development which happened on 11 December this year.
Speaking to TellZim News, Makope said the damage to the fence exposes patients and hospital staff to some dangers like intrusion. He said:
<blockquote>
The fence was recently erected after a long time of no security at the hospital and we were happy with the development but now some locals are not to be happy about the whole issue and they vandalised the fence in protest since nothing was stolen.
We suspect they are villagers from Matande, Mashindi and Mangezi who have been using a shorter path to the hospital that was blocked by the new fence and they do not want to use the main gate.
When the fence was erected, it was reported that they complained saying their road had been blocked.
Since nothing was stolen we just assumed that it was that small section of the community who want a shorter way to the hospital.
</blockquote>
Makopa said the shorter way passed through the waiting mother’s shelters as well as the maternity wards and this was not good. He said:
<blockquote>
The path passes through the waiting mother’s shelters and at times they were robbed at night while domestic animals have free access to the quarters and are menacing the area.
The path also passes through the maternity wards and people would peep through the windows and see activities done inside so the area needs privacy.
</blockquote>
Makopa said will engage the Chief, the local councillor and other relevant stakeholders to educate the community on the importance of having a secure fence around the hospital. | <a href="https://tellzim.com/villagers-vandalise-neshuro-hospital-fence/">TellZim News</a>

Villagers Vandalise Hospital Fence To Create Shorter Route

A 46-year-old man from Chipinge in Manicaland Province was fined $200 000 for illegally connecting electricity to various homesteads.
Tito Muyambo of Taona Village under Chief Mutema tampered with Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) power lines.
He recently appeared before Chipinge regional magistrate, Noel Mupeiwa facing charges of contravening the Electricity Act.
Muyambo pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted after State witnesses gave overwhelming and incriminating evidence against him.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition that he pays a fine of $200 000.
Prosecuting, Themba Dhliwayo said on 1 February, ZETDC loss control officers conducted some routine checks in Nyanyadzi in Chimanimani District to establish illegal connections at homesteads. Said Dhliwayo:
<blockquote>
The ZETDC officials went to Makotomo Village under Chief Muusha and discovered illegal connections at one of the ZETDC transmission poles.
They approached the Mushango homestead and interrogated Annamore Ngonyamore who spilled the beans that it was Muyambo who had made the illegal connections.
The accused also erected another transmission pole which he wanted to use to connect power to other homesteads but no connections had been made yet.
</blockquote>
Muyambo was subsequently arrested and appeared in court on 29 April for initial remand before facing trial this month.
He was represented by Edmore Khulumba of Mhungu and Associates. | <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/new-fined-for-tampering-with-power-line/">The Manica Post</a>

Man Fined $200 000 For Tampering With Power Line

The government has resolved to secure Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer in Nyamandlovu to curb vandalism of electricity infrastructure, which is contributing to Bulawayo’s water crisis.
Police officers and security guards will soon be deployed at Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer to protect electricity infrastructure which includes transformers and copper cables.
This followed the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee to provide both short and long-term solutions to Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges.
The committee comprises Ministers of Local Government and Public Works; Power and Energy Development; Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage; Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development; Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the security sector and Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
Speaking in an interview with State media, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said security personnel will soon be deployed to safeguard the electricity infrastructure. He said:
<blockquote>
Although ZESA and everyone are suggesting that we replace the copper transformers, which are targeted by thieves, that process is likely to take longer.
What we have, therefore, agreed on is that ZINWA and the city council must work with the security cluster.
Zimbabwe Republic Police must have permanent staff at Epping Forest and Rochester Aquifer to protect the area from acts of vandalism.
Instead of getting 20 megalitres from Epping Forest, we are only getting 3ML/day, which is an issue of grave concern.
They are stealing the oil and the copper. The city council working with ZINWA must have permanent security personnel stationed at all those transformers because we are now jeopardising the lives of over 60 000 people in the city’s western suburbs.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the government was hopeful that the amendment of a law that will ensure electricity vandals get a mandatory 30-year jail term will be a deterrent and reduce the copper theft cases. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/security-personnel-deployed-at-water-installations/">Chronicle</a>

Security Personnel To Guard Electricity Infrastructure - Minister Moyo

Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda said the ongoing amendment of the Electricity Act will come up with stiffer penalties that will deter perpetrators of power supply equipment vandalism.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/honeymoon-over-for-electricity-vandals/">The Manica Post</a> on the sidelines of the Ministry of Energy and Power Development third quarter strategic planning and performance review workshop in Nyanga recently, Soda said:
<blockquote>
The amendments to the Electricity Act will result in stiffer penalties being meted out to vandals.
We are referring to those destroying equipment that is supposed to be used in the transmission and distribution of electricity.
Everyone is noticing what is happening. We have people tampering with the equipment, so we are proposing stiffer penalties through the amendments.
This will act as a deterrent to would-be offenders. People must not tamper with electricity transmission equipment for whatever reason.
</blockquote>
According to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), 535 cases of power supply infrastructure vandalism or theft, with a total cost of US$1.5 million, were recorded during the first quarter of this year nationwide.
Only US$113 063 was recovered, constituting 14 percent recovery.
A total of 89 arrests were made and of those, only 19 were convicted.

New Electricity Law Will Deter Would-be Offenders - Soda

Power utility ZESA Holdings is conducting awareness campaigns against the vandalism and theft of its infrastructure across the country.
On Friday, ZESA officials met the business community, churches and vendors, among other groups in Mudzi, Mashonaland East province speaking out against vandalism. Speaking to NewsDay, ZESA spokesperson, George Manyaya, said:
<blockquote>
Today (yesterday) in Mudzi we met the business community, churches, vendors, youths, and the disabled, among other groups.
We held an educative awareness campaign, we educated our consumers on the effects of vandalism, and we are very concerned about vandalism because we are losing a lot of money because of vandalism as a country.
Tomorrow (today) we are going to meet the general citizenry at Mutoko Centre. It is going to be entertaining, but at the same time educative.
Inasmuch as we still have some challenges, we need to bond with our consumers and customers, they are our key stakeholders.
</blockquote>
In recent years, ZESA has been grappling with the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, with the power utility losing about US$5 million each year in stolen equipment.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/zesa-launches-campaign-against-vandalism/">NewsDay</a></h4>

ZESA Launches Awareness Campaign Against Vandalism

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC) blamed its failure to fix faults in some areas for as much as three months on vandalism of copper conductors, transformers and theft of transformer oil.
Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>The ZETDC wishes to advise its valued customers that it is facing challenges in restoring supply in areas which infrastructure would have been vandalised. There has been an upsurge of faults arising from the theft and vandalism of copper conductors, transformers and transformer oil resulting in ZETDC failing to secure adequate strategic spares. As a result, most of our customers have experienced supply outages of up to three months. ZETDC is doing everything possible to minimise the outages.</blockquote>
They also encouraged customers to report any suspicious persons or vehicles around power infrastructure in their neighbourhoods.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/05/09/zesa-blames-prolonged-blackouts-vandalism/">NewsDay</a>

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