Man Jailed Five Years for Stealing ESCOM Power Equipment

The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced John Labana (30) to five years’ imprisonment for vandalising and stealing electricity equipment belonging to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).

Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande handed down the sentence on Thursday, 18 December 2025, after finding Labana guilty of the offence. Labana was arrested on 9 November 2025.

Before sentencing, Labana pleaded for leniency, citing family responsibilities. However, State Prosecutor Ted Namaona opposed the request, arguing that the crime left residents of Katema, Chilipa and Phirilongwe areas without electricity, negatively affecting services, including operations at Chilipa Health Centre.

The court heard that Labana and accomplices were found transporting stolen ESCOM electrical cables on a motorcycle. The stolen items were concealed in a sack, disguised as mangoes allegedly destined for sale at Mangochi main market.

Suspicious community members from Mawiriga Village, under Traditional Authority Mponda, inspected the sack and discovered the electrical equipment. Labana’s accomplices fled the scene, while he was apprehended and handed over to Mangochi Police.

During trial, Labana pleaded guilty, a move that allowed the case to conclude swiftly.

Labana hails from Mdoka Village, under Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District.