adminThe joint operation between police and Zesa was launched on 15 April and has so far unearthed numerous cases of meter by-passing, dangerous and unsafe wiring, unsanctioned connections and sub-letting of power.
The operation is codenamed “No to illegal and insecure electricity connections”.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the disconnections yesterday and said the households were each fined $60.
“We inspected about 1 000 households in the province and 180 households were found wanting. Zesa employees disconnected the houses immediately, which were later fined $60 for the offence of illegal connections and wiring.
“There were two people who resisted fines and we had to arrest them. These two will appear in court and may be imprisoned for violating the Electricity Act,” said Asst Insp Makonese.
She said many cases were still pending as some residents had locked their houses upon hearing that members of the police and Zesa were inspecting homes.
“We did not manage to inspect all homes because some locked their homes or would be away.
There was one fatal accident we experienced where a child was electrocuted due to illegal electricity connections,” said Asst Insp Makonese.
She encouraged members of the public to report anyone who had illegal connections as the move would benefit them as well.
“We will continue to pounce on households with illegal connections because they are a danger not only to their lives but to everyone. Members of the public should have secure connections.
“Police will work with different organisations to curb corruption and for now we are working with Environmental Management Agency to reduce veldfires destroying our province which is rich in natural resources.”
The operation followed a directive by Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma to identify and rectify such problems to curb cases of electrocution and loss of revenue.
He said the operation was supposed to run from 15 April to 15 May this year but was extended upon discovery that cases of breaches were too many and that they could not all be attended to within a month.
He also said information received showed that farms and compounds were top of the list whereby in some cases barbed wire and plastics were used for insulation.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company managing director Mr Julian Chinembiri recently said a lot of illegal connections throughout the country prompted the launch of the operation.
Online Reporter