Crackdown on Escom Vandalism: Three Arrested in Jenda
Police in Jenda, Mzimba, have arrested three suspects in connection with the vandalism of an Escom transformer and the theft of a 19-meter copper wire at Kavinkhama.
Manyani Fagayi Shaba was apprehended on March 5, 2025, at an ad hoc roadblock while transporting 10 kilograms of stolen copper wire. His arrest led to the capture of two suspected buyers, Joel Joseph Zikiele and Marko Banda, who were found dealing in stolen scrap metal at Vigwagwa Market in Mzuzu.
Police investigations revealed that Shaba was involved in multiple transformer vandalisms, including incidents at Champhira, Kaufipa Primary School, and Jenda. He has been charged under the Electricity Act for damaging power installations, while the other two suspects face charges for receiving stolen property.
Authorities have vowed to intensify operations against electricity vandalism, warning that such acts disrupt essential services and pose safety risks. The suspects will soon appear in court to answer their charges.
