ZESCO Substation Trespass Leads to Three‑Month Sentence for Samuel Chungu
On March 10, 2026, security personnel from ZESCO Limited and officers from the Zambian Police Service discovered a freshly dug trench near Substation No. 28 in the Mwaiseni Industrial Estate of Chingola. The trench raised suspicions of an attempted theft of underground armored cables, a recurring threat to the country’s power infrastructure.
During the inspection, officers found 30‑year‑old Samuel Chungu, a resident of the Mikiloni region, hiding on the substation premises. Chungu attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. A shovel, hacksaw, and pickaxe were recovered from the spot where he had been concealed.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Chungu appeared before the Chingola Magistrates Court on June 10, 2026 and pleaded guilty to violating Section 306(a) of the Penal Code and Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, statutes that criminalise unlawful entry onto or interference with electricity facilities. The court recorded his guilty plea on June 17, 2026 and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the date of conviction. The sentence was served on his own recognizance, meaning he was released pending the start of the incarceration period.
Legal experts note that the ruling aligns with Zambia’s broader effort to deter vandalism of critical utilities. According to the Zambia Law Development Commission, penalties under Section 306(a) can range from fines to custodial sentences, reflecting the seriousness with which the state views threats to national power supply.
ZESCO’s Weekly Security Snapshot
In the week of June 12‑19, 2026, ZESCO logged 37 security‑related incidents across its network. The breakdown included:
- Vandalism of equipment
- Theft of cables and transformers
- Fraudulent activities linked to meter tampering
- Corruption cases involving contractors
- Fraudulent usurpation of power (illegal connections)
- Misuse of company vehicles
These incidents resulted in an estimated property damage of K1,647,905. ZESCO’s recovery efforts retrieved K1,259,900 worth of stolen or damaged assets, leaving a net loss of K388,004 for the period. For comparison, the preceding week (June 5‑12) recorded 20 incidents and a net loss of K344,029, indicating a modest rise in both frequency and financial impact.
The utility attributed the increase in reported cases to heightened public vigilance and improved cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies. ZESCO’s statement emphasized that timely tips from community members have been instrumental in recovering stolen property and preventing further damage to the grid.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
ZESCO continues to urge residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity around electricity infrastructure. Reports can be made directly to ZESCO’s toll‑free line, the Zambia Police Service, or local security committees. The utility also highlights ongoing initiatives such as:
- Increased night‑time patrols in high‑risk zones
- Installation of tamper‑evident seals on critical assets
- Community outreach programmes educating the public on the dangers of illegal connections
By fostering a partnership between the utility, law enforcement, and citizens, ZESCO aims to reduce the financial and operational toll of infrastructure crimes while safeguarding reliable power supply for households and businesses across Zambia.
Conclusion
The case of Samuel Chungu serves as a reminder of the legal consequences attached to tampering with electricity facilities. With a clear judicial response, measurable security data from ZESCO, and an active call for community involvement, the incident underscores a multi‑faceted approach to protecting Zambia’s vital power network.
