Two arrested for theft and vandalizing ESCOM transformer in Dowa

Police at Mponela in Dowa district have arrested two men for allegedly vandalizing and stealing Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) property in the district.

Public relations officer for Mponela Police, Macpatson Msadala has identified the two as Steven Hama, 50, and Alfred Shera, 48, who are suspected to have stolen copper wire from an ESCOM transformer which connected to a health facility during the wee hours of April 13, 2023.

The officer in charge of Wandikweza Health Centre at Madisi, Dowa, discovered that copper wire, which was connected to an ESCOM transformer and the facility, had been stolen. Upon noticing the incident, the officer reported the matter to Madisi Police Unit, who initiated investigations which led to the arrest of the two at Madisi Trading Center.

Msadala added that at the time of arrest, the suspects were found with cable cutter and other breaking instruments.

During interrogation, he said the suspects admitted being behind the vandalism of the cables at the said health facility.

The 40 to 50 meters copper wire was bought by Wandikweza Health Center at a value of K1, 280, 000.

The two will appear before court soon to answer applicable charges.