Theft of ZESA property threatens irrigation

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka

Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau

FARMERS in the Lowveld and Middle Sabi have bemoaned the theft of electricity infrastructure which they rely on to operate their farms, especially in the winter season.

There has been a rise in vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure including cables, transformers and other vital equipment which are essential for irrigation and other farming operations.

Recently, thieves targeted a transformer at Birchnough Bridge growth point and vandalized the ZESA transformer plunging the area into darkness and leaving farmers who depend on electricity stranded.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the theft saying the vandalized property is worth US$6 000 and nothing was recovered.

” On April 22, 2025 around 4pm informant Bwerudza Dzipange (48) an employee of ZESA Middle Sabi picked information on a what’s app group to the effect that a ZESA transformer behind Birchenough Bridge Hotel has been vandalized.

“He proceeded to the location and confirmed that unknown accused persons had vandalized a 11kv transformer, stole three copper windings and transformer oil before leaving the scene, leaving only the shell on the ground.

“Onthe same date he reported the case to Birchenough Bridge ZRP police base. Police attended the scene and observed that the accused persons had taken advantage of the power outage to vandalise the transformer.

“A search was conducted around Birchenough Bridge and surrounding Buhera areas and nothing was found. The value stolen is US$6 000 and nothing was recovered. Police are appealing for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect so that they face justice,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairman Mr Skumbuzo Todhlana bemoaned the theft of electricity infrastructure saying they disrupt farming operations.

He said there is need to heighten security systems to protect important national infrastructure so that key economic activities are not hindered.