Zesco Mechanic Detained Over Alleged Theft of Company Equipment

Police in Itezhi-Tezhi have detained a Zesco mechanic for allegedly stealing company equipment valued at over K100,000.

The stolen workshop equipment includes an Afrox welding machine, a portable battery charging machine and two 12-volt batteries, according to police.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo said the company's Mechanical Engineer, Chibele Mweemba, aged 32, reported the matter to Itezhi-Tezhi Police Station on Saturday morning.

"Itezhi-Tezhi Police Station received a report of theft by public servant involving assorted Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation workshop equipment valued at K117,208.50," Mr Namalongo said.

He explained that Mr Mweemba, who lives in Kataba Township and serves as Mechanical Engineer at the Zesco Itezhi-Tezhi Office, reported the theft on behalf of the company.

The theft is alleged to have occurred between December 2024 and December 2025 at the Zesco Itezhi-Tezhi Station Workshop.

Acting on the report, police executed search warrants at the homes of Zesco workers operating from the workshop.

During the searches, officers recovered a portable battery charging machine valued at K62,850 from the residence of station mechanic Mac Mulilo.

"He further confirmed that he had taken the Afrox welding machine and had since returned it to the workshop, where it was recovered and valued at K48,500," Mr Namalongo said.

Investigations revealed there was no record in the workshop register regarding the removal and return of the machine.

Mr Mulilo has been detained in police custody on suspicion of theft by public servant.

Police say investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining items.