Four men have been arrested in connection with vandalism of an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) transformer and subsequent theft of its copper wire at Andiamo in Balaka District, authorities said Monday.

Some of them were identified as Maxwell Nasekwa, 35, Patrick Nasekwa, 29, both from Mulanje, and Innocent Christopher Sungani, 32, from Zomba District.

“Two of the suspects are ex-convicts of similar offence as they are on record to have stolen Escom copper wire at Ndunde in Chiradzulu District before invading Balaka, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said.

Police have also recovered 35 kilograms of copper wire, a motor cycle and breaking tools from the suspects.

“Investigations are at an advanced stage to arrest two more suspects,” Kadadzera said.