Chichiri Magistrate’s Court has slapped a manager for Top Roof Company with a K700,000 fine for vandalising Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited optic fibre cables in Blantyre City.
Prosecutor Dave Malithano said Chichiri Magistrate, Chisomo Msokera, delivered the judgement on the convict, Abdul Rahaman Suwedi, on February 26 2024 after he earlier pleaded guilty to the charge of vandalism.
“The convict was so remorseful during court proceedings and he paid the fine. He realized that he was wrong. He said he did not realise the impact of his actions on customers who experienced a network system shutdown after he vandalized the optic fibre cables. I am sure the suspect will learn from the punishment,” he said.
Suwedi hails originally from Mandota Village, Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu District. Police arrested Suwedi on February 13 2024 after ESCOM’s Optic Fibre officers uncovered the act of vandalism while investigating the cause of internet network failure which had affected its customers at MRA offices, FDH Bank-Blantyre, Accountant General’s office and Blantyre Police Station for weeks.
After entering Top Roof Company premises along Kidney Crescent Avenue in Blantyre City, it was discovered that a pole for optic fibre cable was cut down. Suwedi admitted to have cut the cable and rerouted it to pave the way for other construction works.