By Twink Jones Gadama
In a significant crackdown on vandalism, police in Lilongwe have arrested four individuals, including a Chinese national, for their alleged involvement in the theft and destruction of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) assets. The suspects, identified as Xu Hongxiang (62), a Chinese national, and Malawians Eliko Frackson (25), Frezer Crement (26), and Yamala Lameck (29), were apprehended on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
According to the police, the arrests were made following a thorough investigation into a series of vandalism cases targeting ESCOM assets. During the operation, police and ESCOM security teams recovered over 40 bags of stolen copper wires, weighing approximately 18 tonnes, from a warehouse in Lilongwe. The stolen materials are suspected to have been taken from various ESCOM sites.
National Police Deputy Spokesperson, Harry Namwaza, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the police’s commitment to combating vandalism targeting utility companies like ESCOM. “We are working closely with ESCOM and other affected institutions to ensure that individuals involved in vandalizing, stealing, or trading stolen items are brought to justice,” he said.
Namwaza attributed the rise in vandalism to the availability of lucrative markets for stolen materials. “We urge all Malawians to report any suspicious activities involving ESCOM property to the police. Together, we can protect our infrastructure and support the country’s development,” he said.
ESCOM Acting Regional Manager for the Centre, MacDowel Kumatso, lamented the devastating impact of vandalism on the corporation’s operations. “The financial loss to ESCOM is substantial, with the Chinese national buying copper at K15,000 per kilogramme. With over 15 tonnes of copper wire confiscated, the loss is significant,” he said.
Kumatso noted that vandalism continues to hinder ESCOM’s ability to expand its services. “We are forced to redirect resources to repair and replace vandalized equipment, delaying our efforts to connect new areas to the electricity grid,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of vandalism and theft. If convicted, they could face a maximum 30-year jail term with no option of paying a fine, according to the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024.
This incident highlights the growing concern of vandalism in Malawi, particularly targeting utility companies like ESCOM. The police and ESCOM have urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving ESCOM property, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the country’s infrastructure and support its development.
In recent years, Malawi has seen a surge in vandalism cases, with suspects often targeting copper wires and other valuable materials. In August 2023, three men were convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for vandalizing ESCOM equipment worth over K22 million.
The government has taken steps to address the issue, including the introduction of stricter laws and penalties for vandalism. The Electricity Amendment Act of 2024, for example, provides for a maximum 30-year jail term for those convicted of vandalism and theft of ESCOM assets.
As the suspects prepare to face justice, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Malawi’s infrastructure and resources. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, helping to prevent further incidents of vandalism and theft.
