Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
A mysterious power outage struck Bulawayo’s Central Business District (CBD) today afternoon, leaving businesses scrambling for generators.
Investigations by Zim GBC News reveal that a 330kv pylon was vandalized, disrupting power supply from the Insukamini to Marvel substations.
Marvel Substation connects all power stations in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. It is linked to other regions of the country and the whole of South Africa via the Insukamini Substation.
“A 330kv pylon was vandalized, and we’re still trying to determine the motive,” said a ZESA official, who wished to remain anonymous.
“What’s suspicious is that only stair rods were removed, and everything else was left intact. Usually, vandals cut and steal angle irons and other sellable materials.”
The official expressed concern that this could be a deliberate act of sabotage.
“This is very dangerous, and we suspect the involvement of illegal artisanal miners, known as Makorokoza. But it’s unusual that they didn’t take any materials for their mining activities.”
ZESA staff are working tirelessly to repair the damaged pylon and restore power.
“We’re doing our best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” the official said.
Businesses in the CBD were initially unaware of the vandalism and assumed it was routine load shedding.
“We thought it was just another day of load shedding,” said a local business owner.
The incident raises concerns about the risk of electrocution for substation staff and the potential for repeated acts of vandalism.
Key Points:
- 330kv pylon vandalized, disrupting power supply
- Only stair rods were removed, suggesting possible sabotage
- ZESA suspects involvement of illegal artisanal miners (Makorokoza)
- Power outage affected Bulawayo CBD businesses
- ZESA staff working to repair damaged pylon and restore power
Zim GBC News©2024