Foreman Sentenced to 6-Years Imprisonment for Theft by Servant

Second Grade Magistrate Robert Botha of Chitipa Magistrate Court has sentenced a 35-year old man to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour for stealing assorted items meant for extension of rural electrification project under MAREP 8.

The convict Fatsani Dule comes from Chimphangu Village, T/A Malili, in Lilongwe.

On Friday 26^th January, the state prosecutor Sub-Inspector Leonard Chabwera told the court that in December, the convict took advantage of his job as a foreman and stole assorted items which were meant for extension of rural electrification under MAREP 8 which was being carried by Energy Solutions Limited where he was employeed.

The state prosecutor said Dule took the items and sold them to a businessman identified as Mr Limbani who conducts his business at Nthalire Trading Centre in the district.

Later, the move was discovered by Mr Mike C. Kumfunda, a technician at Energy Solutions Limited and the matter was reported to Nthalire Police Station where after investigation Dule was arrested.

Twelve slashers, one hundred meters rope, five shovels, bolts and 20 nut cables all amounting to K143,242 were retrieved from Mr Limbani`s shop.

In court, Dule pleaded guilty to the charges of theft by servant contrary to section 286 of the penal code.

The state asked the court to hand Dule a stiff punishment as to deter other would be offenders.

While passing the judgment, his worship the Second Grade Magistrate Botha, agreed with the state and slapped Dule to 6 years imprisonment.