Four Arrested After Community Foils Transformer Theft In Thyolo
Published on June 23, 2026 at 1:12 PM by Evance Kapito
Four suspected vandals are in police custody after they were caught attempting to steal copper windings from an electricity transformer at an Eastern Produce Malawi (EPM) estate in Thyolo.
According to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), the incident occurred during the night of June 21–22, 2026, when the suspects allegedly pulled down and dismantled a 100kVA transformer at the estate.
However, the theft attempt was thwarted after EPM security guards and vigilant community members quickly mobilized and apprehended the suspects before they could escape with the stolen materials.
ESCOM has strongly condemned the act, describing vandalism as a serious threat to national development and electricity supply.
Speaking on the matter, ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer Pilirani Phiri said vandalism forces the corporation to divert limited resources towards replacing damaged infrastructure instead of expanding electricity access to more Malawians.
Phiri commended the estate guards and local residents for their swift response, saying their actions demonstrate the important role communities play in protecting public infrastructure.
“This proactive intervention sends a powerful message that citizens are watching and will actively defend their ESCOM infrastructure in their communities,” he said.
ESCOM has since urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around power installations, emphasizing that electricity infrastructure is a community asset that supports livelihoods and economic development.
The corporation believes continued public awareness and community ownership are key to ending vandalism and safeguarding the country’s power network.
