Two men have been sentenced to two-and-a-half-years imprisonment in Lilongwe following their conviction for possessing stolen electricity conductors at Kasiya in the district.
Police prosecutor, Superintendent Chancy Chikhola, said Chilobwe First Grade Magistrates’ Court of Kasiya slapped Rodwell Chisamba and Emmanuel Gabriel with a 30-month jail term each without an option of paying a fine on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
“I stated that they are both first-time offenders but prayed for a stiffer sentence, as Electricity (Amendment) Act 2024 attracts a maximum sentence of 30 years. Such malpractice costs ESCOM revenue, maintenance and labour costs. This also derails efforts to connect new customers,” Chikhola said.
In mitigation, Chisamba said he looks after his grandparent, a child and an expectant wife. Gabriel echoed similar sentiments that he takes care of his wife, two children and relatives. He also apologised to ESCOM for his actions. Eventually, First Grade Magistrate, Mervis Sulumba, delivered the judgement.
Police arrested Chisamba and Gabriel on June 28, 2024, for stealing and vandalizing the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited’s conductors at Ndalama Village in Kasiya. However, during the full trial, the State failed to provide enough evidence for theft.
The case dates back to April 26, 2024, when community members reported to the police the vandalism of the conductors in the village.
The incident led to the arrest of the 34-year-old Chisamba after the police found him with the conductors.
After interrogation, Chisamba led the police officers to Gabriel (32) who bought the conductors for making pots.
Chisamba hails originally from Muyande Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kabudula in Lilongwe whereas Gabriel is from Chisela Village, T/A Tambala in Dedza District.
Possessing stolen ESCOM equipment and vandalism of the same attracts a jail term of up to 30 years, without an option of paying a fine.
ESCOM registers cases of vandalism daily and the Corporation has lost K4 billion in the last two years in Transmission and Distribution infrastructure. The amount includes replacement costs and revenue lost.