Communities Foil Vandalism of ESCOM Transformer in Thyolo

By Suleman Chitera

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi ​(ESCOM) has commended guards and communities at EPM Estate in Thyolo who moved in quickly to foil an attempt to steal copper wires from a Transformer on the night of 21–22 June 2026.

According to ESCOM Facebook page, the vandals had pulled down and dismantled a 100 kVA Transformer in an attempt to steal copper windings before communities apprehended four suspects.ESCOM, Police Engage Lumbadzi Chiefs in Fight Against Vandalism

In the Facebook post, ESCOM reiterates that vandalism is a direct assault on national development, forcing ESCOM to divert scarce resources to replace Transformers instead of expanding grid access to more Malawians.

ESCOM says ​while it bemoans this destructive behavior, the Corporation has expressed its profound gratitude to the brave EPM estate guards and vigilant community members who courageously stepped in to halt this crime.

“This proactive intervention sends a powerful message that citizens are watching and will actively defend their ESCOM infrastructure in their communities,” said Pilirani Phiri, ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer .ESCOM Condemns Vandalism That Plunged Parts of Lilongwe Into Darkness

​Phiri emphasised that continuous public sensitization and a deep sense of community ownership remain ESCOM’s strongest shields against vandalism.

Meanwhile, ESCOM is urging all Malawians to view local energy installations not as distant corporate assets, but as valuable community property that powers their daily lives.CSOs Demand Probe into Alleged Political Interference in ESCOM Procurement