Two arrested over Escom K8.7m copper wire theft
Police in Blantyre have arrested Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) security guard and a minibus driver on suspicion that they stole over 650 kilogrammes of the power utility’s copper wire worth over K8.7 million.
In an interview yesterday, Blantyre Police Station spokesperson Augustus Nkhwazi identified the guard as Daston Konzani who is suspected to have conspired with friends on Sunday night to steal bags of copper wire at Escom Chichiri Power House.
still at large
“While on duty, he connived with some criminals to steal copper wires. Before they could make away with the items, security officers interrupted,” he said.
Nkhwazi said police rushed to the scene after receiving a call from an officer at the power station.
“One of Escom security officers informed the police about the incident. Police rushed to the scene and arrested the guard together with the minibus driver James Mpasu. Two others fled the scene and are at large,” he explained.
Police have since confiscated the copper wires and the minibus which will be used as an exhibit in court. Konzani, 40, comes from Samuti Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimaliro, while Mpasu, 38, comes from Dzungu Village in T/A Bvumbwe, both in Thyolo. The two will appear in court soon to answer charges of theft contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code.
