Guard Killed As Thieves Vandalise ZESA Transformer In Banket

A security guard died after being brutally attacked by suspected copper cable thieves while guarding a ZESA transformer at Carlton Carlieu Farm in Banket on Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The deceased, whose name has not been released pending notification of next of kin, was one of three guards targeted in the early hours of the morning.

According to a report to ZRP Banket, the attackers struck around 1 AM, overpowering and assaulting the guards on duty at the farm’s ZESA infrastructure.

Preliminary investigations by ZESA’s loss control unit, in collaboration with officers from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Chinhoyi and ZRP Banket, revealed that the thieves first attacked a guard near the tobacco seedling section.

The victim was tied with a wire and forced to lead the assailants to a transformer site, where the other two guards were on duty.

The robbers then tied and assaulted the remaining guards before dismantling a 200kVA transformer and stripping it of its copper windings.

They also cut and removed 12 metres each of 70mm and 35mm armoured copper cables, fleeing the scene and leaving the guards bound.

Farm workers discovered the victims at dawn and rushed them to Banket Hospital, where one guard was pronounced dead on arrival, while the other two continue to receive treatment.

The stolen property, valued at around US$10,300, has yet to be recovered.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kahwera confirmed the incident to NewsDay, adding that investigations are ongoing.

ZESA spokesperson George Manyaya expressed sadness over the loss of life. He said that there is a growing trend of copper cable thefts and transformer vandalism. Said Manyaya:

“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our contracted security guards during this barbaric attack.

“Vandalism of electricity infrastructure is not only a national economic crime but also a threat to life and livelihoods.

“We call upon communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around electricity installations.

“ZESA is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure those behind these acts are brought to justice.”