ZESCO reportedly recovers stolen properties valued at over K374,000

ZESCO Limited has announced the successful recovery of property valued at over K374,000 across multiple crime categories, including vandalism, theft and fraud, company officials revealed.

Matongo Maumbi, spokesperson for the power utility, stated that ZESCO conducted a series of operations aimed at curbing vandalism, theft, fraud, corruption, and motor vehicle abuse over the past week.

These efforts led to the recovery of property valued at K374,171.32 across all crime categories.

“The week concluded with three arrests and one conviction, underscoring the department’s commitment to maintaining public safety and order,” Maumbi said.

Regarding crime rates and property losses, Maumbi reported a total of 53 cases recorded, resulting in property losses amounting to K1,132,552.82.

He noted a slight increase from the previous week, with 52 cases and property losses of K689,650.64.

“Vandalism cases saw a 10 percent rise, with 42 incidents reported compared to 38 in the prior week,” Maumbi added.

Additionally, there were five cases of attempted vandalism and five other crimes unrelated to vandalism.

In a significant development, Maumbi highlighted the successful conviction of Morris Nsama, aged 34, from Kankoyo, Mufulira.

Nsama was apprehended during a routine motorised patrol in Ndola on September 14, 2023, while vandalizing a 120mm² x 4 Core Cable at a transformer, resulting in a power outage.

“Although Nsama’s accomplices escaped, he was arrested after attempting to hide in a drainage ditch. Following thorough investigations, it was revealed that Nsama and his accomplices were all residents of Mufulira,” Maumbi elaborated.

Nsama was committed to the High Court for a summary trial on October 24, 2023. After a trial that began in May 2024, Nsama was found guilty and sentenced to ten years of imprisonment with hard labor, effective from the date of his arrest.

“The successful operations and the conviction of Morris Nsama serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders and demonstrate ZESCO’s unwavering commitment to protecting public infrastructure and property,” Maumbi concluded.

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