Man electrocuted while attempting to vandalize ESCOM equipment in Lilongwe
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
An unidentified man has died after being electrocuted in Lilongwe while allegedly attempting to vandalize electricity infrastructure belonging to ESCOM Limited.
The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday and resulted in a power outage affecting the Lilongwe Water Board and several parts of Area 3.
ESCOM Public Relations Officer, Pilirani Phiri has confirmed the development, describing it as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with tampering with high voltage power lines.
“While we wait for the police to collect the body from the site, this devastating event serves as a grim and immediate reminder of the extreme danger of tampering with high-voltage electricity infrastructure,” said Phiri.
He further cautioned the public that vandalism of electricity equipment not only disrupts essential services but also puts lives at great risk due to the deadly electric currents involved.
Phiri emphasized that the safety of the public remains ESCOM’s top priority and urged Malawians to report any suspicious activities around power installations.
Vandalism of power infrastructure is a serious crime in Malawi and attracts stiff legal penalties, including lengthy jail terms and heavy fines, under the Electricity Act of 2024.
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