Kawale Police have arrested a 36-year-old man, Shadrick Kaumphawi, for allegedly personating an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) officer and carrying out an illegal electricity connection.
According to reports received by Kawale Police, Kaumphawi approached Mr Amon Kamanga, who was constructing a house in Area 38, and allegedly posed as an ESCOM official capable of facilitating a speedy electricity connection.
The suspect reportedly demanded K1 million for the service. However, during the connection, he only managed to electrify the house without installing an ESCOM meter.
After making several follow-ups to have the meter installed, Kamanga discovered that the suspect was nowhere to be found. He subsequently reported the matter to Kawale Police.
Detectives launched investigations, which led to the arrest of Kaumphawi in Area 25.
Police have since established that the suspect allegedly used the same system to deceive several other house owners.
Kawale Police have warned residents to obtain electricity services directly from authorised ESCOM offices and to avoid shortcuts that may expose them to fraud and illegal connections.
Police have further warned individuals who pose as electricity officials and engage in fraudulent or illegal transactions that they will face the full force of the law.
Kaumphawi hails from Chipeyani Village, Traditional Authority Njolomole in Ntcheu District.
Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri
P.R.O – Kawale Police Station
Cell: 0995873467 / 0884024149