An 18-year-old, Naison Samuel, is in police custody in Nsanje, while two accomplices are being pursued for allegedly vandalizing ESCOM equipment and stealing 200 meters of aluminum wire.

According to Nsanje Police spokesperson, Sub Inspector Agnes Zalakoma, strong winds and rainstorms on Saturday brought down three electricity poles in Galafa.

This provided an opportunity for the suspects to steal the wires.

“Residents near the area heard unusual noises and discovered the suspects cutting the wires. They managed to apprehend Samuel, who was found with a bag containing the wires,” Zalakoma explained.

ESCOM officials confirmed that the stolen equipment belonged to the company and was valued at K800,000.

Samuel, who hails from Robert Village under Traditional Authority Makoko, will soon appear in court. Meanwhile, police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the other two suspects.