The Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on April 7, 2022 convicted an 11-year-old boy and sent him to Mpemba Reformatory Centre for committing theft offences.
During court proceedings, child prosecutor Sub lnspector Regina Chikungwa told the court that, the convict has a criminal record and he started stealing at the tender age of 8 after his parents abandoned him.
His cases have been diverted several times at police after stealing from various people within Chilipa despite being taken care of as a family member by several people including the officer In-charge for Chilipa Police Unit and ward councillor for the area but he ended up stealing from them as well.
Prosecutor Chikungwa added that, on March 20, 2022 the boy was arrested after he broke into a motor vehicle of Lyson Elisha, 31, which was parked near his house at Chilipa Trading Centre and went away with a 32GB memory stick.
Appearing in court, the juvenile pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him.
In Mitigation, the juvenile asked the court to send him to a place where he will be protected since his parents abandoned him long time ago and he doesn’t know their whereabouts.
In her submission, prosecutor Chikungwa reminded the court that the boy is a bad trait in the community and his behaviour could land him into big trouble one day hence prayed for a custodial penalty.
Passing judgement, First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu concurred with the state.
He therefore ordered him to be sent to Mpemba Reformatory Centre until the board approves that he is changed.
He comes from Chilipa Village Traditional Authority Chilipa in Mangochi.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO-Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
E-mail:mamateps1152@gmail.com
Website: www.police.gov.mw