The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has commended communities and security personnel in Zomba for their vigilance and commitment in protecting critical electricity infrastructure from vandalism.
According to ESCOM, a joint patrol team comprising police officers and local community members successfully thwarted an attempted act of vandalism at Nazinomwe Village in Zomba on the night of Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The suspected vandals were reportedly caught in the middle of an operation targeting a transformer in the area. Before fleeing, the criminals had already disconnected high-voltage fuses and cut approximately 1.5 metres of earth mat. However, upon spotting the approaching patrol team, they abandoned their mission and escaped, leaving behind all the stolen materials and equipment.
ESCOM confirmed that all infrastructure components were recovered and the transformer was saved from further damage.
The power utility described the incident as a significant victory for the community, emphasizing that such successes are not isolated acts of courage but the result of well-organised and determined community night patrols established in response to a growing wave of syndicated vandalism across the country.
“ESCOM salutes every individual who sacrificed their night’s rest to safeguard infrastructure that powers homes, hospitals, schools and businesses. By protecting transformers and power lines, these communities are protecting their own development and wellbeing,” the corporation said.
The utility further urged members of the public to remain alert and proactive in the fight against vandalism. ESCOM advised that any sudden or unexplained power outage occurring at night should be treated as a potential vandalism incident and reported immediately to the nearest police station or ESCOM office.
As cases of infrastructure vandalism continue to threaten electricity supply and national development, ESCOM stressed that collective action between communities, law enforcement agencies and the utility remains crucial in protecting the country’s power network.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with communities to combat vandalism and ensure a reliable electricity supply for all Malawians.
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