Malawi: The Police force in the Balaka District of Malawi have arrested a man for government property damage on behalf of ESCOM. Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi, which is the primary source of electricity in several districts of Malawi reported vandalism and stealing of property.
After the report was made, the Police in Balaka arrested a 46-year-old man, Paul Lipenga. He was accused of vandalizing and stealing Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) property valued at K5.5 million.
Balaka Police Station Public Relations Officer, Gladson M’bumpha confirmed the course of action in a media statement. The officials have confirmed that the members of the community have been warned against these actions for their safety and the safety of the organization.
The wires and other property belonging to Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) are highly potent. The individual who have previously tried to vandalize or steal some of these equipment have either gotten seriously injured or even lost their lives in the process.
The administration is, as such, urging the people of the community to desist from such activities which can put them into harm’s way. Further, the vandalism and stealing also puts the ESCOM into a tough spot with infrastructure damage and increased monetary burdens
The Public relations officer of Malawi Police in Balaka said the incident happened on Friday at Mbera Trading Centre. The facts of the matter as as follows. The arrested individual, Lipenga, is accused of stealing 300 meters of 50mm Hazzle wire valued at K5.5 million.
M’bumpha said the police officers investigating the crime received the information that the suspect was keeping stolen ESCOM wires at his home.
“When the police followed up on the issue, they conducted a search at the suspect’s house and recovered the stolen wires leading to his arrest,” said M’bumpha.
He added that during investigations, Lipenga led the police to the scene where vandalism and theft occurred.
The suspect is a resident of the Mgwira Village in Traditional Authority Nsamala, Balaka District and is expected to appear in court soon. He will answer to the charges of vandalizing and theft of ESCOM property.