The Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Mustapha Antonio Stanley, 34, to five years and three months for illegal possession of firearm and escaping from lawful custody while Bashir Ayami, 20, has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment with hard labor for possessing a firearm.
The court heard from prosecutor Inspector Shadreck Wisiki that in March 2024, the first convict Mustapha escaped from Mangochi Prison while Ayami was previously convicted for robbery.
Prosecutor Wisiki added that on June 5, 2024, the duo were arrested at Namwera Trading Centre after they were found with a RETAY pistol, serial number R1YGCPRYS01-2300846, and two rounds of ammunitions which they had stolen from South Africa.
Appearing before the court, the convicts pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for leniency, citing family obligations.
In his submission, prosecutor Wisiki reminded the court that both convicts are habitual criminals with a resistance to change, making their behavior unacceptable in society. He therefore requested for lengthy custodial sentences.
Passing sentence, SGM Baxter Chikalimba expressed concern that the duo had failed the rehabilitation system.
Mustapha was sentenced to four years for possessing a firearm without a permit and one year and three months for escaping from lawful custody. Ayami was sentenced to two years of imprisonment with hard labor for possessing a firearm without a license.
All of Mustapha’s sentences are to run consecutively.
Mustapha hails from Chiponde village, while Ayami comes from Kabuthu village, both under Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw