Suspected ESCOM Transformer Thief Electrocuted During Foiled Theft Attempt in Lilongwe
Published on August 4, 2026 at 2:09 PM by evans@faceofmalawi.com
A man suspected of attempting to vandalise an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) transformer was electrocuted during a failed theft attempt in Biwi, Lilongwe.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 3, 2026, at Golden Gate Private School in Biwi.
According to Kawale Police Station Public Relations Officer Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri, 59-year-old Annie Matinga heard unusual sounds coming from a transformer located a few metres from her house shortly after the area experienced a power outage.
Phiri said Matinga went to check the source of the noise and found an unidentified man, believed to be between 35 and 40 years old, lying unconscious near the transformer.
Police suspect the man was attempting to steal ESCOM equipment when he was electrocuted.
The suspect was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police have since warned members of the public against tampering with electricity infrastructure, urging everyone to treat all electrical wires and equipment as live and dangerous.
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