A Thyolo court has today granted bail to Zhang Zhixianga, 21, a Chinese national arrested yesterday for possessing stolen Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM) property in the district. He pleaded not guilty to the offense.

State prosecutor Ishmael Abubasit says Zhixianga allegedly received 80kilograms of copper wires from the ESCOM transformer which was dismantled around Makwasa on 18 February 2025. Police arrested some suspects who implicated him.

However, the state has three witnesses, but it was not ready to prosecute, citing the need for an interpreter and further investigation at Zhixianga's warehouse. 

The defense applied for bail, stating he is a first-time offender, not a flight risk, and has family and business ties in Blantyre.

Second Grade Magistrate Thomson Sikweya granted bail with conditions: report to Thyolo police fortnightly, do not interfere with witnesses, allow investigation at warehouse, provide K1.5m two non-cash sureties, surrender travel documents, and K1m cash bond.

He hails from Kanjeza Township, Traditional Authority Kapeni in Blantyre.