Man Bags Six Years IHL for Burglary & Theft

A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour after he was found guilty of burglary and theft charges.

Chitipa police station public relations officer, Gladwell Simwaka has identified the convict as Andrew Sibale who was sentenced on Last Friday, 20th August 2019.

The court heard through state prosecutor seargent Dorah Mhango that during the night of 24 to 25 August, 2019, the convict broke into his father’s house, Mr Sitauni Sibale, 59 and stole six tins of maize valued to K16,800.00.

She further told court that the convict gained entry into the house by breaking the window.

In her submission before court, the prosecutor pleaded for a stiffer punishment saying the offence committed was a felony, common and Committed to his own father.

On his part, the convict pleaded guilty and said nothing on mitigation.

When passing sentence, first grade Magistrate Billy Ngosi concurred with the state and sentenced him to six years and twelve months for burglary and theft respectively.

However, the Magistrate bemoaned the character displayed by the convict saying was dangerous to the community.

The sentences will run concurrently.

The convict hails from Chantola village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwaulambia in Chitipa district.