The Mangochi Second Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Cecilia Liotcha, 31, to three years imprisonment with hard labour for committing theft of bicycle and general theft, contrary to sections 271 and 278 of the Penal Code respectively.
The court heard through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Grace Mindozo that from mid-last year, the convict had been entrusted with looking after her elder sister’s property who is in South Africa for work.
However, last week, one of their brothers discovered that several items were missing from the house. The stolen items included a Nissan half-ton engine, cylinder, bumper, two car batteries, tyres, 60 litres of paint, 12 door frames, and two mountain bikes, all valued at K12 million.
The matter was reported to Mangochi Police Station, and investigations were immediately launched, leading to Liotcha’s arrest. Some of the stolen property were later recovered from a businessman within the township.
In court, Liotcha pleaded guilty to both charges and asked for leniency, stating that her 2-year-old son would suffer if jailed.
However, in her submission, prosecutor Mindozo dismissed the plea for leniency, stating that, Liotcha’s conduct was a complete betrayal of the trust, instead of safeguarding the property, she chose to abuse the responsibility entrusted to her. Her actions were not only criminal but also a serious breach of the trust placed to her by her sister hence pleaded for a stiffer penalty.
In his ruling, Second Grade Magistrate Joshua Chirambo agreed with the prosecution and sentenced Liotcha to three years imprisonment with hard labour for theft of bicycle and two years for theft, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Cecilia Liotcha hails from Mapira Village, Traditional Authority Mapira, 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