By Hopeson Kafumbwa | ESCOM Public Relations Intern.
Police in Chikwawa have arrested Francis Nyambalo, 29, of Kaliza Village, Traditional Authority Mabuka, in Mulanje, for allegedly being found in possession of aluminium wires suspected of belonging to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited.
According to Southeast Region Police Headquarters Spokesperson, Sub-Inspector Edward Kabango, police apprehended Nyambalo on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during a routine traffic check at Alumenda. Officers intercepted a minibus passenger carrying ESCOM materials hidden in a sack.
“During interrogation, the suspect claimed he was given the materials by a known individual from Sorgini but residing in Dzilonzo, Nchalo,” he said.
Kabango urged community members to desist from stealing ESCOM assets, emphasizing that such acts disrupt essential services in health, education, and business sectors.
“Theft and vandalism of ESCOM property remain serious issues in Chikwawa. Police, in collaboration with community policing forums, are working tirelessly to combat this malpractice. We warn the public against engaging in such illegal activities,” he said.
Nyambalo remains in remand at Chikwawa Prison as police continue their investigations.
Possession of stolen ESCOM equipment or vandalizing power infrastructure is a serious offence under the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024, carrying a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison with hard labour.