By Rahim Abdul
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has strongly condemned the latest act of vandalism targeting its infrastructure after criminals pulled down and dismantled a 100 kVA transformer at Eastern Produce Malawi (EPM) Estate in Thyolo during the night of June 21 and 22,2026.
According to ESCOM, the vandals intended to steal copper windings from the transformer, but their mission was disrupted after vigilant EPM estate guards and members of the surrounding community swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspects.
The power utility described the incident as a direct attack on national development, saying such criminal acts force the corporation to channel scarce resources towards replacing damaged equipment instead of extending electricity access to more Malawians.
ESCOM has since expressed gratitude to the brave estate guards and community members whose prompt action led to the arrest of four suspects who are currently in police custody.
Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer Pilirani Phiri praised the intervention, saying it demonstrates the growing spirit of community ownership in protecting vital national infrastructure.
Phiri said the swift response by residents sends a strong message that citizens are alert and ready to defend ESCOM facilities from criminal elements seeking to disrupt electricity supply.
He further emphasized that continuous public sensitization and enhanced community participation remain the corporation’s strongest weapons in the fight against vandalism.
Meanwhile, ESCOM has urged Malawians to regard electricity installations not as distant corporate assets, but as valuable community property that powers homes, businesses and economic activities.
The corporation has appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements around ESCOM structures, saying collective action is key to eliminating vandalism and safeguarding the country’s energy security.
Cases of vandalism against electricity infrastructure continue to pose a major challenge to ESCOM, resulting in costly repairs and disruptions to power supply affecting households and businesses across the country.
