adminMidlands Correspondent
POLICE working in conjunction with ZESA security personnel have bust a transformer oil syndicate, which has been going around vandalising and draining transformer oil in the Midlands. The police also impounded several commuter omnibuses which were being supplied the transformer oil by the suspects.
When Chronicle news crew yesterday visited Gweru Rural Police Station in the company of some Zesa officials, seven commuter omnibuses were under police custody.
The police said they were still hunting for more commuter omnibuses which were using the stolen oil.
Police spokesperson for Midlands province, Inspector Emmanuel Makoho confirmed the incident yesterday.
Insp Mahoko said four suspects, Jacob Chibunhe (34), Masimba Chibunhe (27), Francis Madziva (25) and James Mahachi (25) were assisting the police with their investigations.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company general manager for the southern region, Engineer King Dube said the suspects were vandalising transformers and draining oil in Gweru and its immediate environs.
He praised the police and the parastatal’s security personnel for arresting the suspects.
“This is a major arrest in the province this year. I would like to thank the cooperation we received from the police after we approached them with some leads,” he said.
Eng Dube said the parastatal lost 12 300 litres of transformer oil in the Midlands province to thieves between January and June this year.
He said 75 transformers were damaged, some beyond repair as a result of the vandalism during the same period.
“Prior to this arrest, we have been experiencing a lot of cases in which our transformer oil was drained. Once the oil is drained, that transformer either gets burnt or damaged owing to overheating.
Between January and June this year, the parastatal lost 12 300 litres of oil which was drained by these thieves. The damage and theft cost the parastatal $284 385,” he said.
Eng Dube said five transformers valued at $75 000 were burnt beyond repair after the transformer oil was drained.
He said the transformer oil thieves were getting ready market from commuter omnibuses crews.
“There are a number of commuter omnibuses which have been impounded for providing ready market to these transformer oil thieves. What these kombi operators seem not to appreciate is that the oil is not meant for vehicles,” he said.
Online Reporter