Man electrocuted while allegedly trying to steal ZESCO cables
An unidentified man has died after allegedly attempting to steal the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) cables in Kitwe’s Buchi-Kamitondo Township.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of today.
The ZNBC reports that residents in the area said they were awakened by a loud blast near the ZESCO pylons.
At around 05:00 hours, the body of the burnt man was discovered alongside equipment believed to have been used in the attempted theft.
ZESCO Northern Region has confirmed receiving the report. Power cable theft is a serious offence in Zambia.
Last month a Lusaka man was sentenced to eight months in prison for damaging ZESCO property, while three other suspects were arrested in Ndola in connection with cable theft, as the crackdown on electricity infrastructure vandalism intensifies.
In Lusaka, Magistrate Sakwanda convicted Victor Katipusha on two counts of malicious damage to property and possession of breaking implements.
He was to serve his sentence with hard labour.
Meanwhile, in Ndola’s heavy industrial area, three suspects were caught red-handed on 23 September 2025 at the former Gama Pharmaceuticals premises.
They were found with stolen armoured copper cables and electrical motors following a community tip-off.
The suspects – Abraham Chisala (38), Afrey Jere (38), and Ceaser Sakala (32) – were arrested after a swift response by ZESCO security officers.
In a separate incident in Lusaka, ZESCO security teams working with community members in Kabanana Compound apprehended 28-year-old Jones Muntemba on 22 September 2025 for suspected vandalism.
A grey Toyota Corolla believed to have been used as a getaway vehicle was impounded.
Mounting Losses
Between 19 and 25 September 2025, ZESCO recorded 48 cases of crime against its infrastructure, with property losses valued at K1.95 million. Recoveries worth K490,000 were made, leaving a net loss of K1.46 million.
Of the cases, 33 involved vandalism, reflecting a 28% reduction compared to the previous reporting period. Most suspects fell within the 25 to 40 age range, pointing to a worrying trend among young adult males.
Zesco Speaks Out
Senior Manager – Security Services North, Frezier Mulebwente, welcomed the conviction and arrests, saying they demonstrate ZESCO’s determination to protect the electricity network.
“The conviction and arrests in Lusaka and Ndola demonstrate that ZESCO, working closely with law enforcement and communities, will not relent in protecting the electricity network.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant—reporting vandals is not just protecting ZESCO property, it is protecting Zambia’s future,” Mulebwente said at the time.
The arrests and convictions highlight the utility’s ongoing campaign to combat vandalism, which continues to undermine electricity supply and contribute to huge financial losses.