Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing ESCOM Power Cables in Mangochi
Published on December 10, 2025 at 12:33 PM by Evance Kapito
Police in Mangochi have arrested 30-year-old John Labana for allegedly vandalizing and stealing electricity cables belonging to the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM).
Labana, who hails from M’doka Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, was found in possession of 226 pieces of two-span ORK 240mm aluminium conductor cables, hidden inside a wooden basket.
According to Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi, the arrest followed an interception by community members.
She said on Monday afternoon, residents of Mawiriga Village in the Katema area stopped Labana and his accomplices, who were transporting the wooden basket on a motorcycle.
“Upon being questioned, the accomplices sped away, leaving Labana behind,” Daudi said.
“He initially claimed he was transporting mangoes to Mangochi Boma Market, but a search of the basket uncovered the stolen ESCOM cables.”
Labana was immediately detained and handed over to Mangochi Police Station, where he is in custody pending court proceedings.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the accomplices who fled the scene.
