Zesa employees steal US$3.8m in critical equipment

Two senior employees of the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of Zesa, have been arrested in connection with a US$3,896,000 theft involving critical power plant equipment and materials at the Hwange power station. The suspects, Tawanda Mhaka and Ruth Chiyani, were detained following investigations that uncovered what authorities described as a "carefully orchestrated inside job." Their alleged accomplice, Hardlife Zimwenje, remains at large.

According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the theft took place between 22 and 23 August 2025 and was captured on CCTV at the Turbine Hall. The footage reportedly showed a truck being loaded with 15 electric motors, 48 tonnes of brass pipes, and a metal container, all removed without proper documentation.

Chiyani, a Loss Control Assistant, allegedly supervised the operation but failed to produce any invoices for the movement of the stolen items. Mhaka, a Stores Officer, is accused of instructing a boilermaker to cut up one of the electric motors and a storage container to facilitate their removal. The stolen goods were transported using haulage trucks allegedly arranged by Zimwenje.

The NPAZ confirmed that the case is supported by strong evidence, including CCTV footage and removal authority documents signed by the suspects. Both Mhaka and Chiyani were apprehended on 11 September and have been remanded in custody until 26 September.

The prosecuting authority emphasized that individuals entrusted with national assets who abuse their positions will face serious consequences, describing the theft as an act of economic sabotage.

The incident has sparked outrage in Hwange, with residents expressing concern over how such a significant theft could occur undetected at a state-owned power facility.