PRESS RELEASE – TWO MALAWIAN NATIONALS JAILED FOR VANDALISM OF RAILWAY PROPERTY
PRESS RELEASE
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
TWO MALAWIAN NATIONALS JAILED FOR VANDALISM OF RAILWAY PROPERTY
Kabwe, 21st November 2025 – The Chipata High Court has convicted and sentenced two Malawian nationals, Thokozani Banda and Samuel Banda, to ten (10) years imprisonment with hard labour for vandalism of public property.
The conviction and sentencing follows their actions committed on 24th March 2024 in Chipata, where the two, acting jointly, removed 214 pandrol clips from the Chipata–Mchinji railway line, a property of Zambia Railways Limited(ZRL).
ZRL strongly welcomes this judgment as it 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.
We would like to sound a stern warning to all would-be offenders, that any person found vandalizing, stealing, tampering with or interfering with railway infrastructure will face the full force of the law.
ZRL working with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders, will continue to intensify surveillance, joint patrols and community sensitization to safeguard the railway network.
We further call upon members of the public, especially communities living near railway lines, to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police stations or ZRL offices. Protecting railway infrastructure is a shared responsibility and community cooperation is vital in preventing acts of sabotage and vandalism.
Issued by:
Sombe Longwani Ng’onga (Ms)
Manager Public Relations
Info@zrl.com.zm
