By Francis Chipalo
A 48-year-old man has been arrested in Kabwe following the recovery of about 79 kilogrammes of assorted stripped copper wires valued at K209,000, suspected to have been stolen.
The arrest comes as Zesco Limited recorded 16 vandalism cases between October 15 and 22, 2026, five of which involved pole-mounted transformers, resulting in a net loss of K532,277.
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Zesco Corporate Affairs unit has noted that damage to electricity infrastructure affects more than just equipment.
“It can interrupt supply to homes, businesses, schools and health facilities, expose communities to electrical hazards, and divert resources from maintenance and improvements to emergency repairs,” the corporation has told the media in a statement.
The power utility said although vandalism cases declined from 23 in the previous week to 16, the continued targeting of electricity infrastructure remains a serious concern.
Across all security-related offences during the week, the Corporation recorded estimated property losses of K947,216 and recoveries valued at K171,394, resulting in a net loss of K775,822. Fourteen suspects were arrested during the period.
Compared to the previous week, reported cases fell by about 17 per cent, while the net financial loss declined by about 48 per cent.
Zesco has since urged members of the public to report suspicious activity around transformers, power lines and other electricity installations to the nearest police station or Zesco office, and to avoid approaching damaged or exposed electrical equipment.
The Corporation further appealed to scrap metal dealers and buyers to verify the lawful source of materials offered to them and report suspected electricity infrastructure components to the police.
“Protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Timely information from communities can help prevent damage, support investigations and protect the electricity supply on which livelihoods and essential services depend”.
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