The Zambia Police Service has raised concerns over the increasing levels of vandalism of the ZESCO service cables that connect houses in Chinsali districtin Luapula Province.
Muchinga Province Police Commanding Officer, Dennis Moola says the police service has noted with dismay that the reports of vandalism of service cables have continued to be received despite stringent control measures being put in place.
Mr Moola stated that the reports are being treated with the full attention they deserve, adding that the police are on the lookout to arrest the perpetrators.
He charged that the Zambia Police in collaboration with ZESCO security have since intensified patrols both at night and during the day.
“The police wish to encourage members of the public to provide any necessary information that may lead to the arrest of all involved in the stealing of service cables,” he said.
The Commanding Officer further pointed out that the police are aware of some people who may buy the cables, stating that whoever is suspected to be in possession of such cables should be reported to the police immediately.
He also reiterated the police service commitment towards ensuring that investigations instituted into such matters bear positive results.
Meanwhile, Mr Moola further noted that there has been an increase in the theft of solar batteries and panels from communication towers in the province.
He lamented that this situation has been established to be the main cause of the poor phone network being recently experienced.
“We again encourage members of the public to report anyone found with such materials,” he said.
The Muchinga Police Commanding Officer made the remarks in a statement made available to the media.
No one can steel 11kv cables when they are energized. Thieves are probably taking advantage of the load shedding.
Create jobs. When KK and other leaders had jobs and poverty reduction programs for the people, no one even risked to steal those cables. Give people what to do and allow people to share the nation cake.