Two senior staff members from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) based at Hwange Thermal Power Station have been remanded in custody following allegations of stealing assets worth approximately US$3.9 million.
The accused, Tawanda Mhaka and Ruth Chiyani, reportedly orchestrated the theft of 15 electric motors, 48 tonnes of brass pipes, and a metal container from the power station. Authorities say these items were illicitly removed between August 22 and 23 this year.
Investigations revealed that CCTV footage captured a truck at the Turbine Hall loading the stolen goods without proper documentation. Chiyani, who serves as a loss control assistant, is alleged to have overseen the loading operation but failed to issue invoices or any official paperwork to justify the movement of the materials. Mhaka, a stores officer, allegedly instructed a boilermaker to cut an electric motor and a storage container to facilitate easier transport.
The stolen property was reportedly moved using haulage trucks hired by a suspected accomplice, Hardlife Zimwenje, who remains at large. Both Mhaka and Chiyani were arrested on September 11 and have been remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.
Investigators say the evidence against the accused is strong, including CCTV footage and signed removal authority documents. The court has scheduled their next appearance for Friday next week.
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