By Patience Kapinda
Six people have been arrested in Lilongwe for allegedly
vandalizing 16 transformers in various locations across the capital city
between July and November 2024.
The suspects, Manuel Banda, Mustafa Wisdom Machemba,
Chikumbutso Lameck, Jawadu Buleya, Yamikani Thambo, and Yamikani Batani, were
apprehended between November 7 and 11, 2024.
According to Lilongwe Police Station spokesperson, Hastings
Chigalu, "During interrogation,
apart from the latest incident, the suspects further revealed to have also
vandalized Escom transformers and stolen property at Nkhoma CCAP Mission in
July, Kamphata Trading Centre in August, Mlale Mission in Mitundu, Dzaleka in
Dowa, and Kunthembwe in Ntchisi, all in October this year".
The suspects appeared before the Lilongwe First Grade
Magistrate's Court on November 12, 2024, to answer vandalism charges.
If convicted, they could face a 30-year jail term without
the option of a fine, as per Section 45(4)(b) of the Electricity Amendment Act
of 2024.
ESCOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota,
condemned the ongoing vandalism, stating, "Vandalism poses a greater
threat to improved electricity power supply in the district. It is worrisome to
hear and see that up to date some retrogressive individuals continue to steal
ESCOM's earth wires, stay wires, damage transformers and break insulation disks
for unsound reasons".
Chingota also highlighted the financial impact of vandalism
on ESCOM, revealing that the corporation lost approximately K19,700,000 between
November 2023 and January 2024 due to power outages caused by vandalism.
The six suspects have been remanded at Maula Prison for 10
days pending the conclusion of investigations.
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