ZESA Loses Over US$2 Million to Theft and Vandalism Amid Worsening Power Outages

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has suffered equipment losses exceeding $2 million due to rampant theft and vandalism this year, intensifying the country’s ongoing power crisis.

The utility recorded 1,317 incidents between January and October, leaving communities grappling with prolonged blackouts.

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ZESA Loses Over US$2 Million to Theft and Vandalism

Copper conductors remain the primary target, with nearly 30 tonnes stolen, valued at US$600,000. Aluminium conductors weighing 10 tonnes, worth US$103,000, were also pilfered. Thieves siphoned off 1,543 litres of transformer oil, causing losses of US$7,700. Additionally, 136 transformers, vital for electricity transmission, were vandalised at a cost of US$848,558.

Daring criminals even dismantled bolts and nuts from high-voltage pylons, resulting in damages of over US$4,300. These incidents, compounded by existing load-shedding, have severely disrupted power supply across Zimbabwe.

Authorities have arrested 76 suspects, leading to 24 convictions. Those convicted received combined prison sentences totalling 171 years and four months, with others facing hefty fines.

The Power Utility’s Response

ZESA Theft Vandalism — *ZESA Loses Over US$2 Million to Theft and Vandalism Amid Worsening Power Outages [Image: Newsday]*

ZESA has stepped up efforts to curb the surge in crimes. The utility’s loss control department has adopted modern crime prevention strategies, including CCTV surveillance and anti-intruder detection systems.

“Our loss control department has adopted modern policing strategies to mitigate against losses to theft and vandalism through integration of technology into crime prevention strategies like CCTV, anti-intruder detection system that are complemented by target hardening,” ZESA’s stakeholder relations department told The Sunday Mail.

Collaborations with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, National Prosecution Authority, and Anti-Corruption units have strengthened ZESA’s response. Community policing, awareness campaigns through radio and roadshows, and intelligence-led operations are also part of the strategy.

ZESA is lobbying for legislative changes to combat theft, including banning copper dealership and export licenses. The power utility has also reinstated security measures previously abandoned to safeguard its infrastructure.

The prolonged power outages caused by load-shedding have worsened the situation, as unpowered infrastructure has become easier for criminals to target. This cycle has left many communities in darkness while authorities race to protect critical electricity assets.

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