Phillimon Mhlanga
Cabinet on Tuesday approved the principles of the propossed ammendement of the Electricity Act, which introduces stiffer penalties for crimes related to electricity theft and vandalism of of ZESA infrastructure.
This was revealed by Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information and Brodcasting Services at the post Cabinet media briefing.
“Cabinet considered and approved the principles for the proposed amendment to the Electricity Act to introduce stiffer penalties for crimes related to electricity theft, the destruction of and tempering with electricity infrastructure, which was presented by Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi” Mutsvangwa said.
ZESA has been experiencing increased incidents of vandalism including the theft of transformer oil and copper conductors. This has resulted in ZESA incurring huge expenses in replacing the vandalized property.The impact on business has been astronomical, Mutsvangwa said.
In the principles, Energy Minister Fortune Chasi proposed a 30-year mandatory sentence for
vandalising ZESA infrastructure.
The power utility has suffered losses amounting to an estimated ZWL$20m yearly through the vandalism of transformers.
Chasi recently said stealing power cables and vandalising ZESA equipment was an act of sabotage against the country and the law should severely punish those found guilty.
He said there was need to make it a law that people who damage and steal ZESA infrastructure be sentenced to at least 30 years in prison.
He said:“When a transformer is stolen, it affects lives.
“People who are in hospitals who will be in need of power, people with businesses and other essential services are affected.There is need for us to put into perspective the impact of these acts of sabotage against the country.”
