News / National
Police raise alarm over transformer theft
9 hrs ago | Views
Police in the Midlands Province have raised concern over a growing trend of electricity infrastructure vandalism following the theft of two transformers in the Mutenderende and Chirumhanzu areas.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incidents and urged communities to help protect public infrastructure from such criminal acts.
"I confirm receiving two reports of electricity infrastructure vandalism in Midlands Province. This is a disturbing trend and we urge all stakeholders to safeguard public infrastructure and report cases of vandalism to the police," said Inspector Mahoko.
The first report was filed by Faith Chademana (34), after a transformer located approximately 30 metres from her homestead was stolen. In the second case, Lonkina Dzoro (73) of Dzoro Village under Chief Hama also reported a similar incident, where the transformer near her home was vandalised.
In both cases, the transformers were removed from their poles, with pieces of damaged metal left scattered around the sites, indicating a coordinated effort by vandals to strip the equipment for valuable components - particularly copper.
Authorities say copper cable theft remains the leading motive behind the vandalism of energy infrastructure, a crime that continues to cripple power supply efforts across the province and beyond.
"These acts not only cause power outages, but also hinder economic activities, compromise safety, and cost the nation millions in repairs and replacements," Mahoko added.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has also consistently warned of the devastating impact of such crimes, noting that vandalism delays development in rural communities and compromises service delivery.
Police have called on residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity around electricity infrastructure, and form community-based watch groups to deter would-be offenders.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incidents and urged communities to help protect public infrastructure from such criminal acts.
"I confirm receiving two reports of electricity infrastructure vandalism in Midlands Province. This is a disturbing trend and we urge all stakeholders to safeguard public infrastructure and report cases of vandalism to the police," said Inspector Mahoko.
The first report was filed by Faith Chademana (34), after a transformer located approximately 30 metres from her homestead was stolen. In the second case, Lonkina Dzoro (73) of Dzoro Village under Chief Hama also reported a similar incident, where the transformer near her home was vandalised.
In both cases, the transformers were removed from their poles, with pieces of damaged metal left scattered around the sites, indicating a coordinated effort by vandals to strip the equipment for valuable components - particularly copper.
Authorities say copper cable theft remains the leading motive behind the vandalism of energy infrastructure, a crime that continues to cripple power supply efforts across the province and beyond.
"These acts not only cause power outages, but also hinder economic activities, compromise safety, and cost the nation millions in repairs and replacements," Mahoko added.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has also consistently warned of the devastating impact of such crimes, noting that vandalism delays development in rural communities and compromises service delivery.
Police have called on residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity around electricity infrastructure, and form community-based watch groups to deter would-be offenders.
Source - Tellzim
