By Shaffie A Mtambo
A 46-year-old man, Yusuf Ahamadu Mpunga, has been arrested by police in Mangochi 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, during an electricity connection exercise in Ndata area.
Daudi added that Chipiliro nBanda, a 31-year-old linesman, was attacked by Mpunga after the ESCOM team connected a twin wire from a pole within the suspect’s compound.
“Mpunga accused the team of using his pole to supply electricity to others without his consent and, in a fit of rage, grabbed Banda by the neck and ordered the team to remove the wire”said Daudi.
When the team refused, Mpunga struck Banda on the head with an ESCOM safety belt, inflicting two deep cuts.
The other ESCOM officials, fearing for their safety, complied with Mpunga’s demands and removed the wire from the pole.
Banda was treated as an outpatient at Mangochi District Hospital, and Mpunga has been arrested and charged with unlawful wounding. He will appear in court soon.
This incident highlights the risks faced by ESCOM officials in the line of duty. It’s not the first time an ESCOM official has been attacked while performing their duties. In a similar incident, a man was arrested in Mzimba for illegally connecting electricity to his house after ESCOM officials had disconnected it.
The police have urged the public to respect ESCOM officials and to report any incidents of vandalism or theft of ESCOM property.
The suspect hails from Mgundaphiri Village, Traditional Authority Mapira, Mangochi District.
