Zesa loses US$4m to cable theft annually

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

ZESA Holdings says it is losing more than US$4 million in copper cable theft annually, a scenario that has not only affected the entity but crippled economic development as productivity has been greatly reduced.

Copper cable theft is rife in the country with tonnes of overhead and underground cables being stolen and sold to buyers beyond the borders and locally. 

That has resulted in some areas going dark for long periods after the theft of the cables with some communities even resorting to purchasing replacement cables as the power utility has a notable backlog of replacing the stolen cables.

Zesa then refunds those communities through giving them power equivalent to the money they used to purchase the replacement cables.

As an intervention measure, the power utility has also since resorted to replacing the copper cables with aluminum in a bid to curb the rampant theft. Aluminum is lighter to handle and has a cost saving advantage over copper.

In a statement, Zesa Holdings confirmed the unfortunate development.

“As an entity we are losing approximately US$4 million worth of copper cables to theft around the country. 

“We urge people to desist from destroying electricity infrastructure as this is a criminal offence,” said Zesa Holdings.

The power utility noted that cable theft had far reaching effects including affecting productivity and subsequently the economic performance of the country.

“Various cases have been reported and perpetrators arrested and it is unfortunate that this theft of cables is affecting socio-economic development,” said Zesa Holdings.

Zesa Holdings further revealed that they were working with various stakeholders to rid communities of cable thieves.

“We are grateful for the support that the Government has given us in fighting cable theft. They have reviewed upwards penalties for those convicted of copper cable theft and these go up to 30 years’ imprisonment.

“We are also grateful with the support received from law enforcement agents and the coordination we have with them and various stakeholders who are interested in curbing the vice. We also appreciate efforts by communities who are whistle blowing and alerting the police and Zesa Holdings on activities that are relating to cable theft,” said the entity.

The company encouraged communities and individuals to quickly report suspected cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure in a bid to prevent further theft and losses.

Copper cable theft in Zimbabwe now attracts a mandatory jail term of not less than 10 years as efforts are being made to protect power generation, distribution and also communications. 

The power utility has, however, started replacing the copper cables with aluminum ones in a bid to deter thieves from vandalizing infrastructure. In March 2022 three police officers based in Bulawayo were arrested after they were apprehended stealing over 23kg of copper valued at US$7 000.

In August five Zimbabweans and one South African were intercepted at Beitbridge Border post with over 1 500kg of stolen copper cables.

In 2021 the power utility recorded 1 237 cases of vandalism and theft of copper cables costing them thousands of dollars which could have been used for development purposes. Over 30 transformers were stolen last year   alone with an estimated value of almost US$250 000 as thieves target transformer oil and coils for resale.

Zesa Holdings also lamented that thousands of suburbs are plunged into darkness for long periods after cables and transformers are stolen, also affecting several businesses that rely on electricity to manufacture various wares.

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