By Rahim Abdul
Police in Mangochi have arrested 30-year-old John Labana on suspicion of vandalizing and stealing Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi(ESCOM) cables in Mawiriga Location, Traditional Authority Mponda.
Labana, who comes from M’doka village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi, was found in possession of 226 pieces of two-span ORK 240mm aluminium conductor cables, concealed inside a wooden basket.
According to reports, on December 9, 2025, at around 02:00 hours residents of Mawiriga village within the Katema area intercepted Labana and his accomplices, who were riding a motorcycle while transporting the wooden basket.
Upon being questioned, the accomplices sped away, leaving Labana behind. The suspect initially claimed he was transporting mangoes to Mangochi Boma Market. However, a search of the basket revealed the stolen ESCOM cables.
He was immediately apprehended and handed over to Mangochi Police Station, where he remains in custody pending court appearance.
Meanwhile, the stolen cables have since been positively identified by ESCOM officials.
Police in the district continue to warn the public against vandalizing essential infrastructure, stressing that such criminal acts disrupt service delivery and attract severe legal consequences.
