Armed Gang Raids NRZ Power Station Near Harare, Steals US$10,000 Transformer Equipment

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has condemned a violent robbery at one of its electricity feeder stations near Harare after an armed gang overpowered security guards and stole transformer components valued at approximately US$10,000. The attack, which occurred on the night of 23 June 2026, has raised fresh concerns over the escalating theft and vandalism of critical railway infrastructure, a problem that continues to disrupt rail operations and impose significant financial losses on the state-owned rail operator.

According to the NRZ, approximately 20 suspects arrived at Marova Feeder Station, located between Norton and Lochinvar, in a truck before scaling the facility's perimeter fence. The gang confronted two NRZ security guards who were on duty at the time. The attackers allegedly overpowered the guards, tied them up using electrical cables, and covered their mouths with adhesive tape before carrying out the theft. Both guards sustained injuries during the robbery, although the NRZ did not disclose the extent of their injuries. The railway operator described the incident as a "brazen attack" targeting infrastructure that is essential for the safe and efficient operation of Zimbabwe's railway network.

During the raid, the suspects reportedly dismantled and stole transformer components valued at around US$10,000. The stolen equipment forms part of the electrical infrastructure that powers sections of the NRZ network and supports railway signalling and operational systems.

Authorities have not yet indicated whether the theft has affected rail services in the area.

The incident was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at Marimba Police Station, where investigations have since commenced. Police are expected to review security footage, gather forensic evidence, and interview witnesses as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.

The latest robbery adds to a growing list of attacks targeting Zimbabwe's railway infrastructure. Over the past several years, the NRZ has repeatedly reported theft of signalling equipment, copper cables, transformers, and other critical infrastructure by criminal syndicates. Such acts of vandalism have disrupted train services, increased maintenance costs, and compromised the safety and reliability of rail transport.

The incident comes as the government and the Mutapa Investment Fund continue efforts to recapitalise and modernise the NRZ through major infrastructure rehabilitation projects aimed at restoring the country's rail network and improving freight transport capacity. Authorities have appealed for members of the public to report suspicious activities around railway installations, warning that vandalism of public infrastructure undermines national development and public safety.

NRZ feeder station robbery