Two Brothers Jailed 14 Years for Vandalising Escom Property in Mchinji
Published on June 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Mchinji First Grade Magistrate’s court has convicted and sentenced two brothers, Mabvuto Mbewe, aged 42, and Pemphero Mbewe, aged 28, to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for vandalising Escom property in Mchinji.
Through the state prosecutor, Sub Inspector Martin Kuliyani, police arrested the two after they vandalised three electricity poles and stole wire cables valued at K1.3 million on May 27, 2025.
Kuliyani also added that the two were found in possession of the stolen wire cables, which were cut into pieces and offered for sale at Mgubo market, in the area of T/A Nyoka in the district.
Appearing before the court, the two pleaded guilty to the charge of malicious damage but prayed for leniency, citing family obligations.
The state, however, through First Grade Magistrate Fred Juma Chilowetsa, slapped them with 14 years each to deter other “would-be” offenders, saying the malpractice is escalating.
The two convicts hail from Note Village, Traditional Authority Kazyozyo in Mchinji.
