MAZABUKA MAN SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR VANDALISM OF RAILWAY PROPERTY
LUSAKA, Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 -The High Court sitting in Mazabuka has convicted and sentenced Mike Chibula to ten years imprisonment with hard labour for vandalism and theft of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) property, involving seven fish plates valued at K20, 300.00.
Judge Wina Mbela found Chibula guilty of the offence and sentenced him to ten years imprisonment with hard labour on Friday, 20th June 2025.
The vandalism and theft of rail materials occurred between Magoye and Mazabuka section. The investigations were launched on 29th October 2024, during which two of the stolen items were recovered at a local scrap yard.
Further leads resulted in the arrest of Ethel Mwema, who revealed that Chibula had supplied the stolen materials.
ZRL has described the judgement as a milestone and deterrent in the fight against theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure materials.
The continued repair and replacement of stolen and vandalized rail infrastructure materials remains a concern, as it is detrimental to the development of the company.
Further, ZRL would like to advise members of the public that tampering with rail infrastructure materials such as pandrol clips, fish plates, steel sleepers among other components has negative consequences that can lead to loss of life and damage to equipment due to derailments.
ZRL echoes the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders especially members of the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities on or near the railway infrastructure to ZRL Offices or the nearest Police Station.
Original copy signed
Issued by:
Sombe Longwani Ng’onga
Manager Public Relations
Zambia Railways Limited
Email: sombe.longwani@zrl.com.zm
