The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on September 19, 2024, sentenced 54-year-old Arnold Moyowatha to five years imprisonment with hard labor for stabbing a police officer while resisting arrest.
Prosecutor Inspector Shadreck Wisiki told the court that community members had reported a surge in robberies targeting beer drinkers, bicycle taxi operators, and sex workers between 9 p.m. and midnight. On August 10, 2024, police set up an ambush after several attacks and robberies were reported.
Officers spotted Moyowatha and two others hiding near Perfect Lodge, but the other suspects fled. Moyowatha resisted arrest and stabbed one of the officers in the stomach, causing a deep cut. The officer was treated at Mangochi District Hospital and received five stitches.
Moyowatha pleaded not guilty, but six witnesses proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
He asked for leniency, citing his role as a family breadwinner. However, Magistrate Muhammad Chande sentenced him to five years to deter would-be offenders.
Moyowatha hails from Mbikwite Village, Traditional Authority Mlumbe, in Zomba.
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