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In two separate rulings this November, the High Court of Zambia issued substantial prison sentences for vandalism, underscoring that crimes against essential infrastructure carry severe repercussions.
These convictions, according to ZESCO Limited spokesperson Matongo Maumbi, reflect the company’s commitment—working closely with law enforcement—to safeguard Zambia’s critical infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
On November 1, the Ndola High Court sentenced Clive Chanda, 37, of Fisenge Compound in Luanshya, to 15 years in prison with hard labour.
Chanda’s conviction, under Section 341 D(1)(2)(a) of the Amendment Act No. 17 of 2007 of the Penal Code, followed a January 2021 incident in which he cut and stole a crucial power cable valued at K1,600, causing service disruptions to a local farm.
Maumbi credited coordinated efforts by ZESCO Security and Zambia Police for Chanda’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen cable. Chanda’s co-defendant, Clement Kalaba, 35, was acquitted.
In a separate case on November 6, Judge Wina of the High Court in Mazabuka sentenced Mutinta Christopher, 30, to 10 years with hard labour for vandalism.
Secured by ZESCO’s Security Services, the conviction highlights the severe legal consequences of tampering with critical infrastructure. Mutinta was immediately taken to a correctional facility to serve his sentence.
The October 2024 Security report outlined ZESCO’s efforts to combat vandalism and theft.
According to Maumbi, ZESCO’s security activities in October led to the recovery of property valued at K886,846 and the apprehension of 50 individuals, with eight convictions.
A total of 1,202 cases were documented, resulting in property losses amounting to K7,151,454.92—up from the previous month, where 1,342 cases were reported but with lower losses of K5,954,645.72.
Maumbi noted a 10 percent increase in vandalism incidents, with 284 cases recorded in October, up from 258 in September.
He attributed this rise to extended load management hours.
“These convictions serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders and reaffirm ZESCO’s commitment to securing Zambia’s energy infrastructure,” Maumbi stated.
He emphasized that vandalism had serious, lasting consequences and called for continued community support in reporting suspicious activities.
Maumbi assured that ZESCO, in collaboration with law enforcement, were determined to protect Zambia’s critical infrastructure, urging the public to remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against vandalism.
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