5 arrested for vandalising Zesa transformer

Police in Mutoko have apprehended five suspects for allegedly vandalising a Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) 100 KW transformer and stealing copper cables at Mazezuru Secondary School in Mudzi.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Zimbabwe Republic Police identified the suspects as Phillip Chitawa (43), Steven Nyakabau (31), Patson Gurupira (28), Clayton Nyakatonje (24), and Mary Ngono (33), all residents of Mutoko.

The arrest led to the recovery of several items, including 60 kilogrammes of copper windings, two bolt cutters, a shift spanner, two kitchen knives, and a Toyota Chaser getaway car with registration number ADD 1539.

Police further revealed that the suspects have been linked to another case of vandalism targeting a ZETDC transformer at Chingwena Secondary School in Nyamapanda in December last year.

The ongoing acts of transformer vandalism and copper theft have had a significant impact on the electricity supply in the affected areas, disrupting essential services such as education and health. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further damage to critical infrastructure.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to establish the full extent of the suspects' involvement in similar crimes.