TWO MALAWIAN NATIONALS JAILED 10 YEARS FOR VANDALISING ZAMBIA RAILWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE

Kabwe, 21 November 2025 — The Chipata High Court has convicted and sentenced two Malawian nationals to ten years imprisonment with hard labour for vandalising critical railway infrastructure belonging to Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL).

The convicts, Thokozani Banda and Samuel Banda, were found guilty of jointly removing 214 pandrol clips from the Chipata–Mchinji railway line on 24 March 2024. The components are essential for securing rails to their sleepers, and their removal poses severe risks to train operations and public safety.

ZRL has welcomed the ruling, describing it as a strong and necessary deterrent against the vandalism of public infrastructure.

In a statement, ZRL Public Relations Manager Sombe Longwani Ng’onga said the judgment reinforces the seriousness with which the justice system treats acts that threaten national assets and undermine economic development.

“This judgment sends a clear message that acts of vandalism against railway infrastructure will not be tolerated. The railway network is a strategic national asset that supports trade and regional economic integration. Any attempt to tamper with or damage this infrastructure is an attack on public safety and national development,” she said.

Ng’onga warned that anyone found stealing, damaging, or interfering with railway installations would face the full force of the law. She further emphasised that ZRL, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and local communities, will continue to intensify patrols, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to protect the railway network.

ZRL has also appealed to members of the public especially communities living near railway lines to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious activities to the nearest police post or ZRL office.

“Protecting railway infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Community cooperation is vital in preventing acts of sabotage and vandalism,” the statement read.

The sentencing marks a firm stance by authorities as Zambia steps up efforts to safeguard key transport infrastructure from criminal activities that compromise economic operations and public safety.