Three Arrested for ZESCO Vandalism in Mufulira
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 4 October 2024
By Comfort Nthala
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with multiple incidents of infrastructure vandalism targeting ZESCO in Mufulira District.
The suspects, identified as Charles “Dayo” Mwewa, Luwis Kiyebo, and Miguel Mwila Mwanjimbo, were apprehended on September 23, 2024, following a thorough investigation led by ZESCO’s Ndola Security team since July.
ZESCO Spokesperson Matongo Maumbi has confirmed to Mafken News that the arrests were made possible through a coordinated effort with local law enforcement, which included tracking a vehicle linked to the suspects’ alleged criminal activities in Kankoyo Township.
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old from Kawenga Village in Isoka District was sentenced to 18 months in prison with hard labour by the Isoka Subordinate Court on September 25, 2024.
The vandal, identified as Morgan Mupeka, was convicted of possessing stolen property after being caught on July 12, 2024, with 26 meters of copper cable valued at one thousand two hundred eleven kwacha and sixty ngwee.
Mr Maumbi reveals that despite facing significant property losses amounting to eight hundred nine thousand four hundred twenty-two kwacha and thirty-nine ngwee due to vandalism, ZESCO has successfully recovered two hundred ninety-six thousand seven hundred eighty kwacha and fifty-two ngwee, worth of stolen items, including transformers and service cables, adding that the power utility company has reported a total of 19 arrests and 64 recorded cases of vandalism in recent weeks.
