The Lilongwe Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced a 24-year-old man, Hamisi Malunda, to 8 years of imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for breaking offences.
The court heard from Sub-Inspector Patrick Phambana of Kawale Police that on June 30, 2024, at around 2:00 a.m., Hamisi Malunda broke into the shop of a businessman in the Mchesi business hub and stole 16 bags of flour, 5 bags of maize, 9 cases of Divine Power, and other assorted items worth K1,089,000.
Sub-Inspector Phambana further told the court that Malunda was spotted by some neighbors who were unable to apprehend him. However, using their tip, Kawale detectives managed to arrest him.
When arraigned in court, Malunda pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to present three witnesses who proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In his mitigation, Malunda pleaded for leniency, stating that he was a first-time offender and a breadwinner for his family.
However, Sub-Inspector Phambana urged the court to impose a stiffer punishment, citing a rise in similar cases.
In her ruling, Magistrate Tiwonge Muwalo concurred with the state’s submission and sentenced Malunda to 8 years of imprisonment with hard labour to deter other would-be offenders.
Hamisi Malunda hails from Chisani Village, Traditional Authority Kalonga, in Salima
Sub-Inspector Precious Mavuto Phiri
PRO-Kawale Police Station
Cell:0995873467/0884024149