Vandalism represents a troubling societal problem involving deliberate acts of damaging public or private infrastructure and equipment. This unwelcome issue is a daily challenge faced by regulated entities, manifesting itself in two primary forms: individual and group vandalism. Individual vandalism, in particular, inflicts significant damage on infrastructure and adversely affects communities.
The consequences of vandalism extend across multiple dimensions, including economic, social, environmental, and psychological impacts, among others. It has become increasingly prevalent within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI), and its ramifications are immeasurable. Each year, substantial budgets are allocated to repair and replace equipment damaged by vandals, causing delays in the execution of new projects and hampering infrastructure performance.
It has come to the attention of LEC, in collaboration with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) that this intentional vandalism is predominantly carried out by the younger generation. This destructive behaviour encompasses the theft of electrical cables, meter boxes, prepaid meter

keypads, and more. The root cause is suspected to be a quick way to finance addictive narcotics. Certain areas, such as “Khubetsoana, Qoaling, Qeme, and Lithabaneng,” have emerged as hotspots for such malicious activities.
The financial burden inflicted on the company (LEC) is substantial, as cables are ruthlessly torn open to pilfer copper, which is subsequently sold to scrap yards. The last fiscal year witnessed an estimated cost of M1,289,300.00 in damages to vandalized infrastructure. The ongoing struggle against vandalism of transmission and distribution infrastructure persists. LMPS and LEC are working diligently to apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts, and it is crucial for the public to understand that the consequences include severe fines and long-term imprison-ment.
It is the collective responsibility of all of us to safeguard these critical assets from the clutches of criminals. We should consider it a patriotic duty to join the battle against vandalism of electricity equipment. We urge the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities near power networks to the nearest police station or contact LEC at 8002 2000 or 5227 2000.