Malawi: A village head in Mangochi, identified as Stand Ayami has died after he was electrocuted. According to the details available to the media sources, the village head was trying to steal from an Escom powerline at Chipunga Estate.
The place where the accident happened, is situated at Senior Traditional Authority Bwananyambi’s area. The police officers have shared that stealing from electric equipment is a rising cause of concern.
This is because in stealing the electric and powerline associated resources can lead to untoward accidents. Several times, the thieves tend to get electrocuted due to their attempt of stealing.
Thee authorities have as such cautioned several members of the community to refrain from touching or engaging in any activity involving use of live electricity wires in the absence of adequate protective measures.
Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the death of Ayami. She confirmed that the Village head Assani died while climbing a pole and cutting a stay wire at the estate.
PPRO Daudi said the deceased, who was a well-known tinsmith, left his house on the night of September 12, 2024. He was at the time of his departure headed to an undisclosed destination but did not return till he was discovered dead.
The members of the village head’s family confirmed that they had no knowledge of the deceased man’s actions. The police has shared that “His body was discovered under an Escom power line at Chipunga Estate, with severe burns covering his body.
“Police, medical personnel, and Escom officials arrived at the scene where they found Assani dead. He held a hacksaw in his right hand with a piece of ESCOM wire and fragments of the hacksaw scattered around him,” she added.
Meanwhile, Police in the district warned that the public should desist from tampering with Escom property. They have also urged the public to report anyone found stealing Escom property and related crimes.
Members of the community have extended their condolences to the family of the deceeased and expressed that they are disappointed by his act of putting his life at risk.