Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer, Hastings Chigalu, said the incident happened on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Kaweche Village in T/A Masumbankhunda in the outskirst of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.
Chimphanje was caught by Katete Forest Rangers who were patrolling around Dzalanyama Forest Reserve.
“They found the suspect cutting down the poles using an axe, five had already been taken down by this time,” he said.
Chigalu said the police rushed to the scene to collect the suspect after receipt of the report on the same.
Investigations are underway to trace and recover the conductor wires, he said.
Chigalu said Chimphanje will appear in court soon to answer applicable charges.
Chimphanje hails from Kaweche Village Traditional Authority (T/A) Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe.