ZESCO Limited in Ndola has successfully recovered over 4,600 kilograms of stolen copper cables, equivalent to more than four tons, from Neelkanth Metals Limited. The recovery was made possible thanks to the vigilance and quick response of local residents, who alerted authorities about the theft. This crucial intervention helped the power utility company avert further damage to its infrastructure.
Tom Daka, ZESCO’s Senior Regional Manager, confirmed the recovery and expressed his gratitude for the community’s collaborative efforts in bringing the situation to light. Mr. Daka emphasized the importance of these copper cables, which are integral to the functioning of ZESCO’s electrical grid. He stressed that the theft of such infrastructure poses a serious threat to the stability of the region’s power supply.
In his statement, Mr. Daka also highlighted the broader risks posed by the theft of copper cables. He noted that disruptions caused by such criminal activity could have far-reaching consequences, especially in critical areas reliant on consistent electricity, such as hospitals, schools, and residential homes. Furthermore, he pointed out that lives could be endangered if essential services are interrupted.
The swift recovery of the stolen cables represents a significant victory in the fight against infrastructure theft, but Mr. Daka called for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public to safeguard the country’s essential services from similar incidents in the future.
This case underscores the importance of community involvement in protecting public resources and maintaining the stability of vital infrastructure. ZESCO has vowed to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for the theft are brought to justice and to prevent future incidents that could jeopardize the nation’s power supply.
By Lovemore Sondashi