Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
Most parts of Gwanda District are without electricity following theft of Zesa cables measuring nearly three kilometres valued at $54 000.
On Monday, thieves switched off a power breaker at a substation which supplies most parts of the district and stole the cables.
Zesa western region general manager Mr Lovemore Chinaka said there has been increased vandalism of Zesa installations of late in Gwanda and Filabusi.
“Yes, a lot of vandalism of property has been going on in these areas within the Southern Region. However, for a direct comment on this incident, please send your questions in writing so that we clarify what it is that you want to know,” he said.
The worst affected areas were identified as Vumbachikwe Mine, Bar 20 and Blanket Mine. The situation in the Gwanda CBD is not any better as residents are going for 24 hours without electricity almost on a daily basis.
A source within Zesa, who spoke on condition of anonymity said thieves stole copper cables measuring 900 metres by three strands which add to 2 700 metres, valued at $54 000.
“One of our electricians, Ms Moleen Mundanga (38) an employee of ZETDC said at around 8 PM on Monday she received an anonymous call from a resident who said there was a power cut in Longville Farm.
“She went to the substation which is in that area and discovered that the breaker had been switched off. As she tried to switch on the breaker it kept falling back,” said the source.
On Tuesday, Ms Mundanga and two other ZETDC employees went to Mtshabezi River investigate the cause.
“At the river, they discovered that copper cables measuring 2 700 metres from Mtshabezi River to Bar 20 and Vumbachikwe Mine were missing.
“The matter was reported to police who attended to the scene and discovered that property stolen is worth $54 000. Of late, thieves are on a spree, stealing cables, breakers and even poles.”
A Gwanda Town resident said the thieves are targeting areas where there are commercial farmers who are heavy producers and are likely to be seriously affected by power outages.
“Power outages result in them quickly buying and replacing the cables to continue production,” said the resident.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said police were investigating the matter.
“I can confirm we received a report on a matter where Zesa cables worth $54 000 were stolen. No arrests have been made so far but investigations are underway,” he said.
— @winnie_masara