By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of vandalizing a 100 KW ZETDC transformer at Mazezuru Secondary School in Mudzi, Mutoko.
The arrested individuals are Phillip Chitawa (43), Steven Nyakabau (31), Patson Gurupira (28), Clayton Nyakatonje (24), and Marry Ngono (33).
Following the arrest, law enforcement recovered 60 kilograms of copper windings, two bolt cutters, a shift spanner, two kitchen knives, and the suspects’ getaway car, a Toyota Chaser with the registration number ADD 1539.
Investigations have also linked the suspects to a similar incident of transformer vandalism that occurred at Chingwena Secondary School in Nyamapanda in December 2024.
In 2024 Zesa recorded 1 317 cases of theft and vandalism, resulting in losses valued at US$2 163 207.
Vandalism of electricity infrastructure is causing inconvenience to many communities with power outages and financial burden being apportioned to residents to replace the vandalized equipment.