07/05/2026
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Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has scored another major victory in its ongoing battle against meter theft and vandalism, following a tough sentence handed down by the Chiseka Second Grade Magistrate's Court. The case is part of the Board's intensified efforts to reduce non-revenue water, which severely impacts LWB's operations and limits customers' access to safe, reliable potable water.
On May 4, 2026, Her Worship Rose Chirwa convicted and sentenced Mika Chapotera, 37 years old from Chiwowa village, Mazengera in Lilongwe, for the offence of Theft contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code. Chapotera was found guilty of stealing a water meter belonging to Lilongwe Water Board, an act that directly contributes to the growing problem of non-revenue water.
The court heard that such thefts have become increasingly common, causing substantial financial losses to the Board and disrupting water supply to legitimate customers. The case was prosecuted by Sub Inspector Charity Munkhondia and investigated by Deputy Sub Inspector Brenda Moyo, both of the Lilongwe Water Board Police Unit. This is a fruit of the existing MOU between LWB and the Malawi Police.
In a strong message to would-be offenders, Her Worship Chirwa sentenced Chapotera to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour, effective from April 6, 2026. The court made it clear that meter theft will not be tolerated, especially at a time when Lilongwe Water Board is working tirelessly to protect its infrastructure and ensure every drop of water reaches paying customers.
Lilongwe Water Board reaffirms its commitment to ending meter theft and vandalism across the city. Every stolen meter increases non-revenue water, forcing the Board to spend more on producing water that never gets paid for, and ultimately affecting service delivery to law-abiding customers. The Board urges all residents to report any suspicious activity around water meters and other infrastructure.