The Lugoba District Court in Chalinze, Pwani Region, has sentenced two men to 20 years in prison each for stealing and vandalizing critical national power infrastructure belonging to the Electrical Transmission and Distribution, Construction and Maintenance Company Limited (ETDCO).
Mayunga Senteu and Muganyi Makulu were convicted of stealing ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) cables from a 33-kilovolt (33kV) transmission line in Chamakweza, Vigwaza Ward.
The theft occurred in 2024 and involved more than 25 spans of electric cable from an ongoing government-backed electricity infrastructure project.
Authorities arrested the suspects in possession of sacks filled with the stolen cables, and they were subsequently charged under case number EC8785/2024.
Delivering the judgment on May 8, 2025, the presiding magistrate emphasized the seriousness of the offense and its impact on national development.
“This court has a duty to protect the public interest and ensure that vital infrastructure is safeguarded,” the magistrate said.
“The deliberate theft and destruction of power lines is a direct attack on national progress, and the sentence must reflect the gravity of such acts.”
The ETDCO project, part of a broader effort to expand electricity access in underserved regions, suffered significant delays and financial losses due to the sabotage. Company officials welcomed the court's decision.
“This sentence sends a strong message,” said Eng. Juma Nnko, ETDCO’s Regional Manager. “We cannot afford to have critical infrastructure projects disrupted by criminal elements. It not only affects development but also puts lives at risk.”
Local government leaders also praised the ruling, calling for increased vigilance and community cooperation in protecting public infrastructure.
“Let this be a lesson,” said Chalinze District Commissioner Maria Mwakatobe. “Communities must take ownership of these projects. When infrastructure is damaged, it’s the ordinary citizens who suffer.”
The case marks one of the heaviest sentences issued for infrastructure sabotage in recent years, as the Tanzanian government intensifies efforts to curb vandalism and protect investments in national development.