Man electrocuted siphoning oil from transformer
A man who allegedly was siphoning oil from an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) transformer got electrocuted in Ntcheu on Friday.
Constable Ngoma of Nsiyaludzu Police Unit, which is under Ntcheu Police Station, said in an interview at the accident scene, the body had not yet been identified.
He further said the body would be taken to Ntcheu District Hospital’s mortuary.
The transformer, which usually contains about 200 litres of oil, is located near Mikoke Catholic Parish in Sauzana Village, T/A Phambala.
Speaking at the accident’s scene, Joe Ngwenya Zisiyana, Escom district engineer for Blantyre, bemoaned vandalism of transformers.
“Let us love our country by not vandalising Escom property. This transformer is going to cost us about K1.8 million to replace and we do not have ready transformers to replace the vandalised ones,†he said
Zisiyana said Escom has about 100 transformers to replace nationwide due to vandalism, which would cost K200 million.
The vandalised transformer supplied power to a convent, Catholic Church and Sister Theresa Health Centre which has a maternity ward and a laboratory.
