Malawians have condemned the theft of ESCOM wires that has led to blackouts in other locations.

The vandalism took place in Kaweche Village in Traditional Authority Masambankhunda in Lilongwe.

When pictures of the poles went viral most people described the act as barbaric.

Spokesperson for Lilongwe Police Station Hastings Chigalu said the suspect identified as Nevas Chimphanje, also stole 1500 meters of conductor wires before he was arrested by Katete Forest Rangers.

The rangers found the suspect cutting the poles using an axe, five had already been taken down by the time he was caught, according to Chigalu.