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The Independent Observer > Headlines > Vendors Attempt to steal Zesco cables Leaves Local Residents in Darkness

Vendors Attempt to steal Zesco cables Leaves Local Residents in Darkness

By CHILUBA CHABI
In a daring act of vandalism, criminals attempted to disrupt the lives of Wusakile residents of yesterday by stealing Zesco cables.

The incident occured on September 19 2023 around 03:00 hours at the Zesco Sub-Station (CDB) no. 0421, situated near the Catholic Church in the L Section of Chamboli Township.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peacewell Mweemba said the security Officer Michael Siasimuna 49, reported the incident on behalf of Zesco Limited.

Mr Mweemba said unknown criminals brazenly cut and attempted to steal a 185mm² x 4 Core x 9m armoured cable, valued at K11,836.62, property of Zesco Limited.

He said this audacious act left the surrounding business and housing units without power, plunging them into darkness.

“The sequence of events unfolded rapidly, with the abrupt power outage triggering immediate action. The security guard stationed at the nearby Catholic Church, alerted by the loss of power, rushed to the Sub-Station. He witnessed three individuals hastily scaling the fence surrounding the Sub-Station before making a quick escape. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the Zesco cable had been cut and abandoned within the Sub-Station’s confines,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said swiftly responding to the incident, Zesco patrol officers arrived at the scene to secure it.

He said a joint team comprising of police officers and Zesco Security Division personnel conducted an inspection.

The vandalized cable was discovered and promptly restored by Zesco technicians, ultimately bringing relief to the affected residents by restoring power.

As the investigation unfolds, a docket for the case has been opened. However, no arrests have been made at this time. Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing investigation.

Your online newspaper will surely keep the community informed on the progress.