A joint operation by ZESCO Limited and the Zambia Police Service has arrested 32 suspects within 24 hours for digging and cutting live copper cables.
The suspects were arrested at separate locations.
According to a statement issued by ZESCO, 29 of the suspects were arrested in Ndola on July 22nd, with some as young as 15 years old. They were caught digging and cutting live copper cables along the Ndola-Kapiri Dual Carriageway. An additional three suspects were arrested the previous day, bringing the total to 32.
Meanwhile, in Lusaka, Edward Chingozhi and Fortune Mwanamuchende were sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labor for damaging ZESCO property.
ZESCO revealed that recent vandalism has resulted in significant losses, with copper windings and cables worth over K355,000 stolen, disrupting electricity supply and diverting resources meant for service improvements and national development.
“The combined efforts of ZESCO and the Zambia Police demonstrate the power of teamwork and intelligence-led operations in combating infrastructure crime,” the statement said.
“This operation sends a clear message that vandalizing electricity infrastructure is a serious offense that will not go unpunished.”
ZESCO urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that stopping vandalism is a shared responsibility and protecting electricity supply infrastructure secures our collective future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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