By Simeon Boyce
Authorities and industry stakeholders have exposed a growing link between foreign-backed scrap metal exports and the escalating vandalism of critical public infrastructure in Malawi, with the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM) and water utilities bearing the brunt of the damage.
Recent police operations led to the arrest of two Indian nationals who were found in possession of large volumes of copper and aluminium cables as well as brass components traced to ESCOM installations and water board meters. The suspects remain in custody pending trial.
This follows a similar high-profile case in 2025, when law enforcers in Lilongwe intercepted a Chinese national at the Nyamapanda border in Zimbabwe with 18 tonnes of stolen ESCOM copper wires valued at K1.5 billion.
ESCOM Head of Security, Tresfo Waluza, says the surge in vandalism is being driven by well-financed buyers who create a ready market for stolen materials.
“When transformers are vandalised, the copper and aluminium materials ultimately find their way to foreign buyers with the financial capacity to purchase them in bulk. Recently, we intercepted a shipment in Limbe involving two Indian nationals, where the materials were packed in a container ready for export,” Waluza said.
Waluza warned that the impact on the power utility is severe, with ESCOM losing an estimated K3 billion daily through replacement costs and lost revenue.
Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has also reported a similar trend. Zone Engineering Committee member Rodgers Msendema disclosed that the utility is currently losing up to 100 water meters per day due to theft and vandalism.
He described the situation as particularly alarming given the country’s ongoing cholera outbreak.
“It is deeply concerning that water meters are being vandalised at a time when access to safe and clean water is critical in preventing the spread of cholera,” said Msendema.
In response to the crisis, the Southern Region Scrap Metals Association convened a multi-stakeholder meeting aimed at developing sustainable interventions.
However, the absence of key foreign buyers drew sharp criticism from law enforcement.
South West Region Police Detective Christopher Pangeti questioned the commitment of major industry players.
“Foreign nationals, particularly Indian and Chinese buyers, are the main financiers in this trade, often using local vendors as intermediaries. Their absence from this meeting raises serious questions about their willingness to be part of the solution,” he said.
Association Chairperson Bruno Unyolo has since pledged to summon the absent buyers and enforce compliance, warning that licences could be revoked for those who fail to cooperate.
“If their reasons for absence are unjustifiable, we will not hesitate to withdraw their licences. They will not be allowed to continue operating in the scrap metal business,” Unyolo said.
Local vendors have also expressed readiness to support reforms. Ndirande-based scrap dealer James Chalera said collaboration among stakeholders will be key to restoring integrity in the sector.
Meanwhile, authorities warn that the unchecked growth of the scrap metal trade is fuelling not only infrastructure vandalism but also broader social decay. Reports indicate that criminals are increasingly targeting graveyards, stealing metal nameplates and iron bars for resale.
