Malawi has prescribed stiffer sanctions for illegal electricity connection and meter tampering in its amended Electricity Act 2024, with an offender liable for 20 years imprisonment or a fine of K100 million(US$57,686.76).
Previously, an offender could be jailed for 10 years or fined MK5 million.
The amended Electricity Act 2024 which has been assented to by President Lazarus Chakwera is intended to stop vandalism and criminal activities being perpetrated by Malawians.
According to Sally Mtambo, Legal Director of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), the company has suffered heavily due to vandalism.
She said this prompted them to take drastic steps to amend the law to reflect the severity of the offence.
She said from a general penalty of 10 years imprisonment and MK5 million fine, the new law provides K100 million and 20-year imprisonment for illegal connection or meter tampering or theft of electricity.
“K150 million and 25-year imprisonment if ESCOM/Licensee employee or former employee assists in electricity theft. The fine for denying access to premises for ESCOM/Licensee to carry out works is now at K50 million and 10 years imprisonment.
“Failure to carry out an order of the Licensee will cost K100 million and 20 years imprisonment.
“There is also 30 years imprisonment for non-fineable offences for vandalism and being found in possession of stolen equipment belonging to ESCOM/Licensee,” Mtambo said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com