The Thyolo Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 30-year-old Nyson Mizati to six years imprisonment for vandalising electricity installation equipment.

The court heard from State Prosecutor Inspector Ishmael Abubast that on February 19, 2026, Happex Mbando, an ESCOM Corpol, received a call from a well-wisher reporting that a transformer installed at Msuwazi Trading Centre, near the bridge, had been vandalised by unknown individuals.

Mbando informed Thyolo Police officers, who proceeded to the scene of the crime and discovered that the transformer had been damaged. The value of the damage was estimated at K7,500,000.

Following intelligence gathering, Thyolo Police detectives managed to apprehend Nyson Mizati.

During the court trial, the suspect pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to parade four witnesses whose testimonies led to his conviction.

In mitigation, the convict asked for leniency, stating that he has family responsibilities.

However, Inspector Abubast argued that such offences cause financial loss to ESCOM due to the cost of maintenance and repairs. He also noted that such cases are rampant in the district.

In passing sentence, Chief Resident Magistrate Shyreen Yona Chirwa concurred with the State and imposed a six-year custodial sentence with hard labour.

Nyson Mizati hails from Mzuwa Village, Traditional Authority Mchiramwera, in Thyolo District.