Mufulira man jailed 33 months for stealing power cables

A 28-year-old Mufulira man, Brian Wotela, has been sentenced to two years and nine months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing power cables valued at K5,925, property of Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MWSC).

In a statement on Wednesday, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Principal Public Relations Officer, Prince Chiyuni, said the ministry was elated with the conviction, describing it as a deterrent measure.

The theft occurred on September 14, 2025, at the Mopani Copper Mines Treatment Plant in Mufulira, where Wotela stole 22 kilograms of power cables.

Chiyuni explained that the convict was apprehended after a report was made to the Mopani Anti-Copper Theft Unit, which later handed him over to the police.

“On September 17, 2025, he appeared before Honourable Magistrate Sharon Mangani, pleaded guilty, and was duly sentenced,” he said, adding that the conviction marked a significant step in the ongoing fight against vandalism and theft, which continue to undermine service delivery in the water and sanitation sector.

The Ministry has since directed all Water Utilities to intensify prosecution of such cases to deter would-be offenders and safeguard critical infrastructure.

Chiyuni further stressed that government strongly condemns acts of vandalism and theft, which result in service disruptions, financial losses, and unnecessary hardship for the public.

He said such criminal activities not only damage vital infrastructure but also hinder community development and compromise public safety.

“The Ministry calls upon all citizens to collaborate with Water Utilities, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in protecting water and sanitation infrastructure,” Chiyuni stated.

He emphasized that public cooperation was vital in ensuring reliable and sustainable service delivery, adding that the Ministry remained committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring uninterrupted essential services to communities.

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