Two sentenced to eight years for tampering with ESCOM property in Zomba

By Steven Mwamlima//MALAWI

Two young men have been sentenced to eight years imprisonment with hard labour by the Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba for tampering with Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) infrastructure.

Constable Andrew Mwale,
Deputy Public Relations Officer for Zomba Police Station confirmed the development saying; the convicts, Frank Dumba and Ayami Maiden were found guilty of attempting to vandalize electrical apparatus, contrary to Section 400 of the Penal Code and Section 45 (4)(b) of the Electricity Act.

Mwale said that State Prosecutor Inspector Cliff Kalawa of Zomba Police told the court that the offence occurred in the early morning hours of November 24, 2025, at Nazombwe in Zomba District.

‘Inspector Kalawa said the area was hosting an ESCOM project involving the installation of power lines and transformers when community members heard loud cries for help coming from the site.

“He explained that the concerned residents rushed to the scene and found Frank Dumba lying on the ground after being electrocuted, although he was still conscious,” he said.

Mwale added that during questioning, Dumba disclosed that he was not alone at the time of the incident and revealed that his accomplice had fled the scene.

Police investigations later led to the arrest of the second suspect, Ayami Maiden who was identified as Dumba’s accomplice.

He said when the matter was brought before the court, both accused persons denied the charges.

Again, Mwale added that the prosecution presented four witnesses whose testimonies were consistent and provided sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“In mitigation, the two convicts pleaded for leniency, telling the court that they were first time offenders,” he said.

However, Inspector Kalawa asked the court to impose a stiff sentence, arguing that vandalism of public infrastructure is increasing and poses a serious threat to national development, hence the need for deterrent punishment.

In delivering his judgment, Principal Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe dismissed the mitigating factors, emphasizing that young people should contribute positively to national development instead of undermining it, and subsequently sentenced both convicts to eight years imprisonment with hard labour.

Frank Dumba, aged 19 is from Likaka Village, while Ayami Maiden, aged 18 comes from Mulosowa Village, both under Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba District.