Six men have been arrested by Area 36 police in Lilongwe on suspicion of vandalizing Escom transformers and stealing equipment.

The suspects, identified as Mustafa Machemba (22), Chikumbutso Lameck (24), Yamikani Thambo (26), Jawadu Buleya (28), Manuel Banda (35), and Yamikani Batani (30), were detained after they reportedly confessed to being behind several transformer destructions in the region, including incidents at Nkhoma CCAP Mission, Kamphata Trading Center, and Dzaleka in Dowa District.

According to Lilongwe police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, the group is also believed to have stolen copper wires from the Mlale transformer in Mitundu on November 6.

The suspects have been remanded in Maula Prison and are expected to appear in court soon to face charges. The police investigation into the thefts continues.