Thieves stealing from transformer attack STELCO staff who intercepts

A STELCO employee who intervened after seeing persons attempting to steal from a transformer has been attacked last night.

The theft resulted in MPL flats in Hulhumale' losing electricity.

STELCO MD Hussain Fahmy confirmed this to Mihaaru last night. He said that two people had been involved in the theft.

According to Fahmy, a STELCO staff had gone to the area after receiving reports of power loss around 10 pm last night. He had seen the two stealing from the transformer, and attempted to catch the thieves. In the process, he had been hit over the head with a wrench, with him needing to be rushed to hospital for treatment.

Fahmy said that one of the two thieves were handed over to the police last night.

He voiced concerns about how theft from transformers are becoming increasingly common, adding that this is the fourth day in a row that such theft had been discovered.

He emphasized the dangers involved in stealing from transformers, as well as the inconvenience it poses to the public.

Last year, one man had died through electrocution while attempting to steal from a transformer.

Fahmy further said that attacks against STELCO employees would be investigated as serious offences, assuring that measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not reoccur.

In a post on X, he highlighted how last night's attack against the STELCO employee could have led to a tragedy such as permanent disability or even death. He commended the courage of the employee in having responded to the theft so promptly.

"I assure all STELCO employees that the bravery displayed by this staff member will be recognized, and we will address any threats faced by our team with the utmost seriousness and resolve," Fahmy wrote.