The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 convicted and sentenced Hassan Gama, 32, to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for contravening sections 311 and 278 of the Penal Code respectively.
During court proceedings, Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer lnspector Amos Mwase told the court that, on the afternoon of July 16, 2021 the accused broke into the house of Alinafe Mchekadona, 30, when the owner was at work.
When she went home for lunch the victim discovered that her house had been broken into through window. She then bumped into the accused when he was making away with her two blankets, pieces of zitenje and assorted clothes.
Prosecutor Mwase added that, the victim shouted for help and the accused was apprehended by members of the community who handed him over to Makokola Police Unit.
Appearing in court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him prompting the state to parade three witnesses who testified against him.
In mitigation, the convict asked for the court’s leniency saying that he is bread winner to his family but prosecutor Mwase asked the court for a custodial sentence while justifying that his behaviour is a threat and cannot be tolerated in the society.
When Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state for a stiff penalty.
He therefore sentenced him to 14-years for the count of house breaking and 12 months imprisonment with hard for the count of theft but the sentences will run concurrently.
Hassan Gama hails from Mtelera village, Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO- Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com