LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Police Service at Lilongwe station are keeping in custody a 26-year-old man for cutting down five Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) poles, also known as spans, and theft of 1500 metres of conductor wires all valued at MK9,750,000.
Lilongwe Police Station publicist Hastings Chigalu has identified the suspect as Nevas Chimphanje, of Sinyala Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe District.
Chigalu told The Maravi Post that the incident happened on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Kaweche Village in T/A Masumbankhunda.
“He was caught by Katete Forest Rangers who were patrolling around Dzalanyama Forest Reserve.
“They found the suspect cutting down the poles using an axe, five had already been taken down by this time,” said Chigalu.
The police publicist added, “Police rushed to the scene to collect the suspect after receipt of the report on the same.
“Investigations are underway to trace and recover the conductor wires”.
Chimphanje will appear in court soon to answer applicable charges.
Many have expressed worrisome over the suspect misconduct amid power outages.
