Mzuzu Court Convicts and Sentences Burglary and Theft Offender

MZUZU, Malawi - Chandiwira Nyatwa Mkandawire, 38, was convicted and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for burglary and theft by Principal Resident Magistrate Rashford Harawa in Mzuzu on Monday, April 17, 2023, writes Tionge Hara.

According to Constable Mercy Chitonde, spokesperson for Mzuzu police, Mkandawire pleaded guilty to burglary and stealing assorted household items worth K1,100,000.

The court heard that on the night of November 21, 2022, at Kamwe area in the district of Mzimba, Mkandawire broke into the house of Gung'u Mkhalambweka Kaunda and stole assorted household items, as stated by State Prosecutor Sgt Maggie Nkhata.

Chitonde confirmed that investigations led to Mkandawire's arrest, and in mitigation, he prayed for leniency, expressing regret for his actions.

In her submission, State Prosecutor Sgt. Maggie Nkhata asked the court to impose a stiffer punishment, stating that the offence was well-planned and Mkandawire knew what he was doing.

Passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Rashford Harawa concurred with the state, noting that such cases were becoming rampant in Mzuzu and causing citizens to live in fear.

First Grade Magistrate Rashford Harawa then sentenced the convict to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for burglary and 5 months IHL for theft, to deter other would-be offenders.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Chandiwira Nyatwa Mkandawire hails from Kalera Mkandawire in the area of Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District.