The office of the Ombudsman has launched an investigation for the missing fuel that was purposed to power Escom back up generators. The fuel, estimated to be at least 4.2m litres, was reported as stolen during June 2018; 6 months after the promised generators were supposed to be operating.

Business owners have hailed the development, whilst expressing skepticism. “I am happy to hear about the investigation” says Eric Banda, owner of a chain of barbershops and maize mills, “but it wont solve any power outages; investigate Escom but meanwhile, solve the problem at hand, which is the blackouts”

Other business owners thought the investigation is a hoax that has been designed by politicians in order to make citizens feel like something is been done about electricity, as they pointed out that elections are 4 months away.

Regardless, this is the first time that the office of the Ombudsman charged on an issue concerning power outages.