By Shaffie A Mtambo
A crackdown on vandalism and theft of electricalm conductors has led to the arrest of two men in Chikwawa, with a manhuntander underway for two others. Lyford Godoyi and Alex Smart, both from Sub Traditional Authority Chiputula, were taken into and custody on January 20, 2025, after a tip-off revealed they had stolen 200 meters of electrical conductors valued at K800,000, belonging to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).
According to Dickson Matemba, the station’s public relations officer, the arrests demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to protecting ESCOM property. “We are warning people in the district to desist tampering with ESCOM property since it is an offence punishable by the law,” Matemba emphasized.
The suspects will soon appear before the court to answer to the charges leveled against them. This’ll development comes as a reminder of the consequences of vandalism and theft of electrical conductors, which can lead to serious penalties, includingity imprisonment. In similar cases, individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 30 months to five years.
The authorities’ efforts to combat vandalism and theft of electrical conductors are crucial in ensuring the reliability and safety of the power supply. As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two fugitives to come forward and assist in bringing them to justice.
