By Shaffie A Mtambo
The Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined Yusuf Ahamadu Mpunga,aged 46, a sum of K500,000 for unlawfully wounding an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) official.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, says the incident occurred on March 24, 2025, in the Ndata area of Mangochi, following a dispute over an electricity connection.
“According to the prosecution, Mpunga became violent when the ESCOM team connected a twin wire from a pole located within his compound without his consent. In a fit of rage, Mpunga grabbed the victim, Chipiliro Banda, by the neck and ordered the ESCOM officials to remove the wire”Daudi explained.
Therefore he then picked up an ESCOM safety belt and struck Banda on the head, inflicting two deep cuts.
The court heard that the victim was treated as an outpatient at Mangochi District Hospital, and Mpunga was later arrested.
Despite pleading not guilty, the state paraded five witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, Mpunga apologized to the victim and ESCOM management, pleading for leniency.
However, the prosecution urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, stressing that the victim is a government employee who deserves protection.
Second Grade Magistrate Joshua Chirambo ordered Mpunga to pay K500,000, which he has since paid. The court further directed that the entire amount be given to the victim as compensation.
