Communities and security guards in Thyolo stop an alleged attempted theft of copper wires from an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) transformer during the night of 21–22 June 2026. Both outlets report that the incident involves the transformer at EPM Estate in Thyolo. According to statements attributed to ESCOM’s Facebook page, suspected vandals pull down and dismantle parts of a transformer and attempt to remove copper wire components. The reports say community members and guards move quickly to prevent the theft, with ESCOM commending their actions afterward. One report adds that the transformer is described as a 100 kVA unit, while the other describes an attempted copper-wire theft from an ESCOM transformer at the same location and timeframe. Neither source provides further details on whether police are involved, whether anyone is arrested, or the extent of damage beyond the dismantling of the transformer components. The accounts agree on the broad outline: an overnight attempt in Thyolo, rapid community and guard intervention, and subsequent public praise from ESCOM.