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ZESCO Limited has described the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2026 as a decisive step in curbing crimes that disrupt electricity supply.
The amendment introduces stricter penalties, including classifying offences such as theft, destruction, or damage to critical infrastructure—particularly electricity transmission and distribution systems—as non-bailable.
Under the law, individuals charged with such offences will remain in custody pending trial, in a move aimed at deterring vandalism and safeguarding key national assets.
In a statement issued Friday, ZESCO said infrastructure vandalism has long undermined service delivery, public safety and economic activity.
“The classification of these offences as non-bailable sends a strong message that such acts will no longer be treated lightly. This will significantly enhance our efforts to curb these crimes,” the utility said.
ZESCO noted that it had recorded significant losses over the years due to vandalism, leading to prolonged power outages, disruption of essential services such as water supply, and rising operational costs.
The company stressed that electricity infrastructure remained central to national development, adding that the new law strengthened enforcement efforts to protect installations across the country.
However, it emphasised that the effectiveness of the law would depend on public cooperation.
“The success of this law will also depend on active community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and rejecting vandalism in all its forms,” the statement said.
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