Black out at Mpilo Hospital after thieves steal power infrastructure

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Thieves broke into a Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) substation at Mpilo Central Hospital last Wednesday, stealing critical infrastructure and forcing the hospital to rely on diesel-powered generators, officials said.

The theft is the latest in a series of similar incidents over the past two months, further straining operations at one of the country’s major referral hospitals.

“The hospital has recorded yet another case of theft and vandalism on its power infrastructure. These rising cases are a major concern,” said Mpilo Central Hospital public relations officer Noma Mabhena.

She said the hospital had reported the matter to police based at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) station within the hospital premises.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said the ongoing thefts posed a serious threat to patient care.

“This situation is incredibly alarming. I was informed that Mpilo Central Hospital had no electricity for two days due to stolen cables. Hospital staff have warned that critical operations, including surgeries, could be delayed or disrupted, putting lives at risk,” Ncube said.

The hospital is relying on 10 backup generators to maintain operations, but rising diesel costs are increasing financial pressure.

“These generators consume about 300 litres of diesel per day, which adds up to 3,000 litres daily, costing us nearly US$4,800 per day,” said Phineas Sithole, the hospital’s director of operations.

Sithole added that while the hospital has a solar power system under the Solar for Health initiative, it only supports laboratory services as integration into the main grid is incomplete.

The hospital has faced repeated incidents of vandalism. In 2023, thieves damaged power infrastructure, leaving parts of the facility without electricity for over 48 hours, affecting critical services like maternity and intensive care.

ZESA reported losses exceeding US$2 million due to cable theft and vandalism between January and October last year. Copper conductors, transformers, and high-voltage pylons are frequent targets, causing widespread power disruptions.

The law mandates a minimum jail term of 10 years for those convicted of vandalising ZESA infrastructure, but authorities say the penalty has not deterred criminals.