Buumba Chimbula writes
@SunZambian
THREE people in Lusaka have been sentenced to 13 and 10 years for vandalizing Zesco cables worth K57,230.13
Kennedy Mubili, Gilbert Zulu and Abel Edson Njobvu have been jailed for vandalism of public property valued at K 57,230.13.
This is according to the Zesco Public Relations Manager, Hazel Zulu.
Ms Zulu said Mubili and Zulu were found vandalising Zesco copper cables at Substation 371 in Chinika industrial area, in Lusaka.
“On Wednesday 13 January 2021, both Mubili and Zulu were found guilty of the offence of vandalism by the courts of law and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment with hard labour whilst Abel Edson Njobvu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
“Members of public apprehended Abel Edson Njobvu of Lusaka on 8th May 2020 whilst vandalizing cables at Old Independence substation which resulted into disruption of power in Matero East area,” she said in a statement.
Ms Zulu regretted that Zesco had repeatedly warned that vandalism was a serious criminal offence but the that some people had continued to breach the law.
She said Zesco was elated with the conviction and sentencing of the three because it was confident that it would act as a deterrent to would be offenders.
“We further encourage members of the community to guard public property jealously and report any suspicious acts around Zesco installations to Zesco Security or the Zambia Police Service, as such vices are retrogressive to the nation.
“In 2020, Zesco lost in excess of K5 million due to vandalism of its installations,” she said.
