Four Jailed 18 Years for Vandalising Escom Transformer in Thyolo
Published on June 29, 2026 at 11:18 AM by Edgar Naitha
The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Thyolo has sentenced four men to 18 years’ imprisonment each after finding them guilty of vandalising an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) transformer at Kumadzi Estate.
The convicts, Emmanuel Zulu (30), Raphael Katopola (52), Steve Elaton (27) and Paul Kabudula (40), pleaded guilty to charges of vandalising Escom equipment, being found in possession of Escom property and robbery.
During the hearing, the court was told that on June 21, 2026, the four men, acting with five accomplices who are still at large, overpowered and tied up security guards before vandalising the transformer.
State prosecutor Aulerious Phukaphuka urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, arguing that vandalism of critical infrastructure hampers national development and that the crime was premeditated.
In mitigation, the convicts asked the court for leniency, saying they were first-time offenders with families who depend on them. Steve Elaton also told the court that he has a disability in his right leg caused by a snake bite.
However, Chief Resident Magistrate Shyreen Yona Chirwa ruled that the gravity of the offences warranted a custodial sentence, sentencing each of the four men to 18 years in prison.
The magistrate also commended community members whose assistance led to the arrest of the suspects and encouraged the public to remain vigilant in safeguarding Escom infrastructure.
