Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has reported significant losses totaling US$ 924,524 due to widespread vandalism and theft of its infrastructure from October 2024 to date.

ZESA Executive Chairman Dr. Sydney Gata confirmed the alarming figures, revealing that 539 cases of theft and vandalism were recorded during this period.

"The culprits primarily targeted critical equipment, including transformers, copper conductors, copper cables, angle irons, oils, and aluminum conductors. The stolen copper, in particular, has been smuggled as scrap metal to neighbouring South Africa, according to ZESA’s loss control department."

"To date, 36 arrests have been made in connection with the incidents, with 11 convictions already finalised. The convicted offenders have received a combined 90-year sentence. The remaining cases are still under investigation, with many pending before the courts," Dr. Gata explained.

ZESA’s Stakeholder Relations, Communication and Welfare Department indicated that it had since adopted new policing strategies to combat theft and vandalism.

“Our loss control department has adopted modern policing strategies to mitigate losses from theft and vandalism through the integration of technology into crime prevention strategies like CCTV, anti-intruder detection systems, which are complemented by target hardening,” said the power utility.

In an effort to curb the growing issue of infrastructure damage, ZESA is working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to tackle the rising cases of vandalism. Despite ongoing efforts, the continued theftof vital equipment disrupts the national power supply, threatening the stability of Zimbabwe’s electricity grid.

ZESA has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying those involved in such criminal activities, emphasising the importance of protecting the country's infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.