MCP Councillor fined for stealing

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Machinga

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) councillor for Dedza Boma Ward, Davie Lingalawe on Monday was fined by the Dedza First Grade Magistrates Court for tampering with Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) equipment.

Lingalawe, 58, and electrician Shanday Callisto, 29, were arrested last week and charged with interference with supplies of electricity contrary to Section 40(2)(b) of Energy Regulation Act of 2004.

CourtThe court slapped Callisto with a five year jail term with no option of fine while Lingalawe was ordered to pay a fine of K100, 000 or spend 18 months in jail. The councillor paid the fine.

Assistant Superintendent Patrick Chambuluka said Escom officials discovered that Lingalawe had tampered with the meter box on the pole that supplies electricity to his bottle store which is known at the Boma as Zabwino bottle store.

He had hired Callisto to do the job on his behalf and the court learnt that Callisto is not a first offender as he was once jailed for two years in 2015.

In mitigation, Lingalawe apologized for his conduct. Magistrate Ennete Banda said it was a disgrace for an elected councillor who should be upholding the constitution to break the same laws.

Lingalawe hails from Chigwammowa village, T/A Chakhumbila in Ntcheu district while Callisto comes from Senzani village, T/A Phambala in Ntcheu.