State prosecutor Felix Senzani told First Grade Magistrate Kondani Chinangwa that on March 5, 2024, the law enforcers at Masambanjati police station arrested the two on suspicion that they stole 300 metres of earth wire for a transformer in the area.

He said the transformer belongs to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).

Magistrate Chinangwa has since adjourned the matter to March 22, 2024, when the state will parade five witnesses against the two suspects.

Meanwhile, the police said investigation is still underway on the matter.

Banda hails from Mwamadi village, Traditional Authority Machinjiri in Blantyre while Mphanje comes from Phwitiko village, T/A Mabuka in Mulanje district.