Thyolo Police have arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the vandalism and theft of ESCOM wire in Naphazi Village, in the district.

The suspect, identified as Maxwell Flotiya from Mpando Village, Traditional Authority Nchilamwera in Thyolo, was apprehended following police intelligence operations.

According to Thyolo Police spokesperson, Sub Inspector Rabecca Kashoti, the suspect was found to have stolen the electricity wire and repurposed it to make household utensils.

“Following a series of investigations, our officers managed to arrest the suspect who is believed to be directly linked to the vandalism of ESCOM wire. He had been using the stolen property to make various utensils,” said Kashoti.

She added that the suspect is currently in police custody and will appear in court soon to answer charges of vandalism and theft.

The arrest comes after ESCOM security guard, Goodson Dzipendo, reported the incident in July this year when criminals vandalized electricity installations at Naphazi Village.

Police in Thyolo have since warned community members against tampering with electricity installations, stressing that such acts not only disrupt essential services but also endanger lives.