The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has strongly condemned the escalating cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure across the country, warning that the acts are directly contributing to power supply disruptions affecting communities and key services.
The latest incident was recorded on Friday, 23 January 2026, at Malamulo Dam, Makwasa in Thyolo, where a gang of armed criminals attacked on-duty security guards, tied them up and covered their heads with sacks before vandalising a transformer and stealing critical equipment. The attack resulted in a power outage in the area and marks the fourth transformer vandalism incident in Malamulo within just three months.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Region, acts of vandalism on ESCOM’s 33kV line on Sunday, 18 January 2026 caused operational disturbances that subsequently led to a fault on the Chintheche-Mzuzu 132kV transmission line resulting in intermittent power supply in Mzuzu and the surrounding areas.
Commenting on the developments, ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer, Mr. Pilirani Phiri, said vandalism continues to undermine the utility’s efforts to provide stable electricity supply.
“We strongly condemn these criminal acts of vandalism which are not only destroying critical infrastructure but are also directly affecting households, businesses and essential services such as hospitals, schools and water treatment plants. It is unfortunate that innocent Malawians continue to suffer because of the actions of a few individuals,” said Phiri.
Phiri appealed to the public to take an active role in protecting electricity infrastructure.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We are calling on communities to stop shielding criminals through silence. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately so that together we can protect our infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply for all,” he said.
ESCOM has urged members of the public to report vandalism and suspicious activities through the anonymous toll-free tip-off line 847 on TNM or Airtel, or to the Malawi Police Service.
A vandalised Transformer at Malamulo in Thyolo