The Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined Yusuf Ahamadu Mpunga, 46, the sum of K500,000 for unlawfully wounding an official from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) following a dispute over an electricity connection in the Ndata area.
The court heard through Station Prosecution Officer Inspector Amos Mwase that the incident occurred on March 24, 2025. On that day, the victim, Chipiliro Banda, 31, a linesman based at the Mangochi ESCOM Branch, was on duty with colleagues, connecting electricity for new customers in the area.
During the exercise, the ESCOM team connected a twin wire from a pole located within the convict’s compound. After completing the task and moving on to assist other customers, the convict followed them and accused the team of using his pole without his consent.
In a fit of rage, Mpunga grabbed Banda by the neck and ordered the ESCOM officials to remove the wire. He then picked up an ESCOM safety belt from the ground and struck Banda on the head, inflicting two deep cuts. Out of fear, the other ESCOM officials complied and removed the wire.
The matter was reported to Mangochi Police Station, and the victim was treated as an outpatient at Mangochi District Hospital. The convict was later arrested.
Appearing before the court, Mpunga pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to parade five witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, the convict apologized to the victim and ESCOM management, pleading for leniency. However, Inspector Mwase dismissed the plea, stressing that the victim is a government employee whose duties often require him to work within private premises, and therefore deserves protection. He urged the court to impose a custodial sentence.
In his ruling, Second Grade Magistrate Joshua Chirambo concurred with the state and ordered Mpunga to pay K500,000, which he has since paid. The court further directed that the entire amount be given to the victim as compensation.
Mpunga hails from Mgundaphiri Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in Mangochi District.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell: 0999-706-525
Email: amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website: www.police.gov.mw