Tanesco arrests 11 small-scale miners over power theft in Kahama
Tanesco officials in Tanzania have arrested 11 small-scale miners in Kahama for illegal electricity diversion and unauthorized connections. The utility company warned that these practices cause significant revenue loss and pose severe fire hazards to the community.
Why it matters
Illegal power diversion undermines national infrastructure stability and threatens public safety in industrial mining zones.
Kahama. The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) in Shinyanga Region has conducted a special operation at the Mwime Mine in Zongomela Ward, Kahama Municipality, uncovering several small-scale miners illegally diverting electricity and connecting unauthorised users.
Speaking at the scene today, September 8, 2026, Tanesco infrastructure security officer, Mr Frank Njavike, said the crackdown would be extended to other mines in Kahama District to expose those bypassing established legal procedures.
“Everyone who obtained services illegally will face legal consequences, with penalties varying according to the offence. I urge miners to follow established procedures when seeking power connections rather than bypassing meters and causing revenue losses to the utility,” said Mr Njavike.
Tanesco district revenue in charge, Mr Mgeta Majula, confirmed that inspectors identified 11 miners who had illegally diverted power and reconnected third parties.
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