A total of 12 suspects have been arrested in a coordinated crackdown on the vandalism of Zambia’s power infrastructure, with schools and churches among the latest targets.
ZESCO Limited confirmed the arrests following 5 separate incidents reported within the last 24 hours across four provinces.
ZESCO Corporate Affairs Department revealed that criminals are increasingly targeting community hubs such as educational institutions and places of worship, resulting in widespread disruptions and financial losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of kwacha.
Among the critical incidents highlighted was the theft of power cables worth K2,471 from Manyonyo Primary School in Mazabuka, disrupting educational activities.
In Kabwe, cables valued at K2,703 were stolen from residential homes and the New Apostolic Church, affecting both households and worship services.
“In Lusaka, a transformer valued at K42,706 was vandalized in Kasupe, while in Barlastone, a Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) worth K112,430 was saved from theft,” the statement added issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
ZESCO has issued a strong warning that loadshedding is not a justification for vandalism, emphasizing that such acts contribute to unpredictable blackouts, particularly affecting essential services such as schools and clinics.
By Margaret Mwanza
