The Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate Court on February 1, 2022 sentenced and convicted a 36 – year-old Gift Mkwanda to 2 years imprisonment with hard labour for personating a police officer and theft.
The court heard through state prosecutor Sergeant Innocent Dzatopetsa of Kawale Police that the convict committed the offence on November 12, 2021 on the way to Maula Prison.
Dzatopetsa further told the court that Mkwanda met the victim who was coming from Maula Prison to pay a visit to a relative who is serving his sentence.
Immediately Mkwanda posed himself as a police officer who can help in facilitating the unconditional release of his relative but he put a demand of money for the job .
Convinced with Mkwanda’s rhetoric the victim cashed out MK 70, 000 for the deal but time passed without the release of his relative. This awaken the victim that he had been duped .
The matter was reported at Kawale Police for further investigations that led to his arrest on January 18 ,2022 .
Appearing in court, Mkwanda pleaded guilty to charges leveled against him.
In submission, Dzatopetsa told the court that cases of this nature are increasing and prayed for a custodial sentence to deter other would be offenders.
In mitigation the convict asked for leniency saying he is the first offender and he is a bread winner for his family.
Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Chakaka Nyirenda concurred with the state and sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment with hard labour for the first count and 9 months for the second count. Sentences to run concurrently.
Mkwanda hails from Sangeni Village, Traditional Authority Malemia in Zomba District.
Sub Inspector Mabvuto Phiri
PRO-Kawale Police Station
Cell:0995873467
Website www . police. gov. mw.