By Correspondent
Gweru, Zimbabwe – ( News of The South) For decades, a stark reminder of Zimbabwe’s faltering infrastructure and pervasive corruption has lain dormant in Gweru: a long, electric train, once a symbol of progress, now a static monument to its own demise. Whispers and accusations of large-scale copper theft, implicating powerful figures, continue to swirl, leaving residents questioning whether the nation’s rail services, and indeed its future, will ever get back on track.
The electric train, which ferried passengers between Harare and Gweru in the late 1990s, was a significant investment for the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). Its operation was heavily reliant on an extensive network of copper overhead cables, a valuable commodity that quickly became a prime target for organised syndicates. As far back as the turn of the millennium, former and late President Mugabe complained, Manguranje waitasei?” – a lament reportedly directed at the then transport minister, highlighting public awareness and frustration over the escalating theft.
Multiple reports confirm that the electrification of the 305-kilometer section between Harare and Dabuka (near Gweru), completed in the mid-1980s, was severely impacted by rampant vandalism and theft of the copper infrastructure. This systematic pilfering ultimately led to the total suspension of electric locomotive services on this vital route.
The public’s frustration is palpable. “King Munhumutapa says he wants the train to go back on tracks, questioned why it’s not being fixed,” a concerned resident recently remarked, echoing a widespread sentiment that national assets are being allowed to decay amidst a climate of impunity.
Adding to the controversy are persistent rumours of high-level involvement in the illicit copper trade. Allegations have surfaced, unproven but widely discussed, linking the theft of copper from the Harare-Gweru line to powerful political figures. Specifically, there are unconfirmed reports circulating that a copper company named PK Investments, located in Coventry Road is owned by Vice President Kembo Mohadi while another company is in New Ardbennie and is allegedly owned by President Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa and Mohadi, are somehow connected to the proceeds of stolen copper. Similarly, unsubstantiated rumours have implicated President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the theft. While these remain firmly in the realm of rumour, they underscore the deep mistrust and suspicion surrounding the collapse of critical public services.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe has consistently battled with corruption and mismanagement, alongside the crippling issue of copper theft. Forensic audits in recent years have exposed fraudulent activities and procurement irregularities running into millions of United States dollars, further eroding public confidence in the parastatal’s ability to recover. The lack of adequate insurance policies for NRZ assets has also been flagged by the Auditor General, leaving the company vulnerable to irreparable losses from theft and damage.
The sight of the “sleeping” electric train in Gweru serves as a potent symbol of Zimbabwe’s challenges: a nation rich in potential, but seemingly crippled by corruption, a disregard for public assets, and a lack of accountability. Until these underlying issues are addressed, the dreams of a functional, modern rail network, and the broader aspirations for national development, may remain firmly off track.
King Munhumutapa says the team is investigating about the train issue and Minister of transport should ensure the train goes back. Zimbabwe has no copper mines but copper companies are buying copper, its questionable where the copper that they are buying is coming from.
Zimbabweans are being given licences to deal with copper yet the country does not have copper mines. One wonders why this practice is continuing as the country continues to face economic challenges. Another bad effect of these thefts is causing congestion on the roads as people and goods could easily go on the train. The issuance of copper licences is fuelling vandalism, those who vandalise the copper cables process it in their blast furnaces where it is disguised and cannot be seen as copper cables.
King Munhumutapa has expressed dissatisfaction, ” This is Zimbabwe Kingdom and horizon hwemy Rebublic has to end, we cannot be a Kingdom tolerating all this”.
We no longer see railway workers working like they used to do long back. Those involved in corruption activities have been urged to stop as action will be taken very soon.
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