Gambia police arrest 12 people for electricity theft, meter tampering

In a week-long collaborative operation, The Gambia Police Force, in partnership with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), apprehended twelve individuals engaged in the illicit bypassing of electricity connections and tampering with Cashpower meters.

These arrests, conducted in multiple locations across the country, have brought to light the detrimental impact of such activities on NAWEC’s operational revenue and the quality of services they provide.

The crackdown on these illegal activities spanned various regions, with arrests made in Mandinary, Busumballa, Wellingara, Serekunda market, Sanyang, Kanifing South, Lamin village, Fajikunda, Wellingara, Latrikunda Sabiji, and Jambanjelly.

The apprehended individuals, who were involved in the unauthorized modifications, have been released on bail, pending further investigation.

Key players in this unlawful enterprise, technicians Musa Jobe and Bubacarr Seedy Camara, are currently cooperating with police investigators.

Preliminary findings suggest that they charged their clients between D1500.00 to D15,000.00 for these illegal services.

In response to these developments, authorities are keen to remind the public of the serious repercussions associated with electricity theft and meter tampering.

Such activities significantly hinder NAWEC’s ability to generate the revenue required for daily operations and infrastructure maintenance, leading to a compromise in the quality of services provided to consumers.

These actions are undeniably criminal offenses, and the Gambia Police Force urges citizens to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities related to electricity theft to the nearest police station.

The joint operation between the Gambia Police Force and NAWEC is ongoing as they strive to safeguard the integrity of the electricity supply system and ensure that the public remains informed about the consequences of such illicit activities.