ZESA transformer valued at approximately US$10,000 was stolen from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) in Dangamvura’s Area 3, leading to widespread power outages and intensifying concerns over infrastructure security and public safety.
The stolen equipment—a 200 KVA ZESA transformer—was reported missing on the morning of Wednesday, May 21. According to ZETDC officials, a fault alert was received around 9am at the company’s Dangamvura filling station. A technical team was immediately dispatched, and upon inspection, they discovered that the transformer had been forcibly removed from the S200 substation.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed that the theft was initially flagged by Ms Faustina Chikuse, a 52-year-old loss control officer at ZETDC. She responded to the fault alert and initiated internal checks, which ultimately led to the discovery of the missing ZESA transformer.
“On the same day, the ZESA fault response team investigated the situation and found that a 200 KVA transformer had been stolen from the Dangamvura S200 substation,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka. “The suspects used an unidentified object or tool to unmount the transformer and escape undetected.”
Law enforcement officers responded promptly to the crime scene, but no arrests or recoveries have been made thus far. Police suspect that the criminals may have operated during the early morning hours to avoid detection.
ZESA Transformer Theft in Dangamvura Sparks Power Crisis
The theft of the ZESA transformer has had a serious impact on Dangamvura’s residents and local businesses. Entire neighborhoods have been plunged into darkness, and the power outage has disrupted not only daily routines but also critical services, including clinics, water pumps, and small businesses.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned of the growing risk these incidents pose. He stated that the community is affected not just by the lack of electricity, but also by the broader risks these crimes present to public safety and infrastructure stability. Power outages can lead to compromised security, especially at night, and disrupt key operations that rely on stable electricity.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public to assist in the ongoing investigation. “We call on anyone with information related to the theft of the ZESA transformer to report to the nearest police station or provide anonymous tips. Public involvement is crucial in ensuring that those behind such crimes are held accountable,” added Chinyoka.
The theft in Dangamvura is not an isolated case. Zimbabwe has seen a surge in ZESA transformer thefts in recent years, driven largely by black-market demand for copper and aluminum components found in electrical equipment. Criminal syndicates often dismantle the stolen transformers for parts, which are then sold locally or smuggled across borders.
These thefts are placing immense pressure on ZETDC’s already stretched maintenance and operational budget. The process of replacing a stolen ZESA transformer involves significant financial costs, technical labor, and time—resources that could otherwise be used to improve power distribution infrastructure.
ZETDC officials have reiterated the need for increased surveillance and security at key power infrastructure sites. They are also urging the government to implement stricter penalties for those caught vandalizing or stealing from power facilities.
“We need community collaboration, better monitoring technology, and stiffer legal consequences for offenders if we are to put an end to ZESA transformer thefts,” said a ZETDC spokesperson. “It’s not just a financial issue—it’s a threat to national development.”
Residents of Dangamvura have voiced frustration over the repeated power cuts and the delays in restoring electricity after such thefts. Community leaders are calling for increased police patrols and enhanced protection measures for vulnerable substations.
The ZESA transformer theft in Dangamvura stands as yet another reminder of the critical need to secure national infrastructure and prevent criminals from undermining Zimbabwe’s energy delivery systems. As investigations continue, authorities hope that stronger security efforts and public cooperation will prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source- Bulawayo 24
